Obstructing the Field in Cricket

What Is Obstructing the Field?

Under Law 37, a batter is out Obstructed the Field if they wilfully obstruct or distract a fielder by word or action. This applies to both the striker and the non-striker. It is an appeal-based dismissal — umpires do not call it without a fielding side appeal.

Forms of Obstruction

• Physically blocking a fielder attempting to catch or field the ball
• Using the bat or body to deflect the ball away from a fielder
• Shouting to distract a fielder attempting a catch
• The non-striker moving into the fielder's path during a run

Accidental vs Wilful Obstruction

The crucial element is wilfulness. If a batter accidentally collides with a fielder or the ball rebounds off their body without intent, this is not obstruction. The umpire must be satisfied that the action was deliberate.

Handled the Ball Merger

Since 2017, the separate Handled the Ball dismissal (Law 33) was merged into Obstructed the Field (Law 37). A batter who deliberately touches the ball with their hand — other than the hand holding the bat — is now given out Obstructed the Field.

DRS and Obstruction

Obstruction decisions can be reviewed under DRS. The Third Umpire examines video evidence to determine whether the contact was wilful. Intent is ultimately a matter of human judgment, making these among the most contested reviews.

The striker plays the ball and it loops toward point. Running for a second run, the non-striker cuts across in front of the point fielder, causing them to collide and drop the ball. The fielding side appeals. The umpire rules Obstructed the Field — the non-striker is dismissed.