Obstructing the Field in Cricket: Law 37 Explained
Obstructing the field is a rare dismissal in which a batter deliberately impedes a fielder — it can also be given if a batter uses their hand or arm to deflect the ball.
Obstructing the field is one of cricket's least common dismissals. Under Law 37, a batter is out if they deliberately obstruct a fielder by word or action, or if they — or their batting partner — wilfully deflect the ball with a hand or arm not holding the bat. The key word is 'deliberately'; accidental contact does not constitute obstruction.
How Obstruction Happens in Practice
The most common form of obstruction is when a batter deliberately runs in the path of a fielder attempting a run-out throw, or when a batter uses their bat-free hand to knock away a ball heading toward the stumps. In 2006, South Africa's Inzamam ul-Haq was famously given out obstructing the field in an ODI after using his bat to deflect a ball that threatened to hit his stumps.
Deliberate vs Accidental
The umpires must be satisfied the obstruction was deliberate. A batter who accidentally runs into a fielder because they were watching the ball, or who instinctively raises a hand to protect themselves, is not given out. Only a clear, intentional act to hinder the fielding side qualifies under Law 37.
2017 Law Revision
In the 2017 update to the Laws of Cricket, 'handled the ball' (Law 33) was merged into 'obstructing the field' (Law 37). Previously a batter who deliberately touched the ball with their hand was out handled the ball; now that action falls under obstruction. This simplified the Laws while preserving the same protections for the fielding side.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-striker obstruct the field?
Yes. The non-striker can also be given out obstructing the field if they deliberately interfere with a fielder attempting a run out or catch. Both batters at the crease are subject to Law 37.
Is obstruction the field the same as handled the ball?
Since the 2017 MCC Law revision, yes. Deliberately handling the ball is now included within Law 37 (obstructing the field) rather than being a separate Law 33 dismissal.