Cricket Obstructing the Field Explained
What is obstructing the field in cricket? Learn when this rare dismissal applies, notable examples, and how it differs from handled the ball.
What Is Obstructing the Field?
Obstructing the field is a dismissal in which a batter willfully obstructs or distracts a fielder attempting to field the ball, make a catch, or effect a run out. It is one of the rarest dismissals in all of cricket — occurring fewer than a dozen times in international matches across Test, ODI, and T20 history.
How It Is Given Out
Either the fielding captain appeals for obstructing the field, or the on-field umpires raise the dismissal themselves. The umpire must judge that the batter's action was willful — accidental collisions or natural body movements do not qualify. The batter must have taken a deliberate action to obstruct.
Obstructing vs Handled the Ball
Before the 2017 revision to the Laws of Cricket, 'handled the ball' was a separate dismissal for touching the ball with a hand not in contact with the bat. This has since been absorbed into the obstructing the field law — both concepts now fall under the same dismissal category.
Famous Examples
One of the most famous obstructing the field dismissals in Test cricket was Michael Gannon of India against Pakistan in 1961. More recently, South Africa's Andrew Hall and New Zealand's Len Hutton's contemporaries have been dismissed in this manner. At international level, appeals for this dismissal often relate to batters blocking catching attempts mid-crease.
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter be given out obstructing the field on a no-ball?
Yes. Obstructing the field is one of the rare dismissals valid even on a no-ball delivery. If the batter deliberately prevents a fielder from catching the ball on a no-ball, they can be given out.
What happens if the batter accidentally obstructs a fielder?
Accidental obstruction is not out. The umpire must judge willful intent. If the batter is simply standing their ground or running between wickets and a fielder collides with them accidentally, no dismissal is given.
Is it obstructing the field if a batter shouts to distract a fielder?
Yes. The law extends to any willful action — including shouting or deliberate distraction — that prevents a fielder from taking a catch or completing a run out. Physical and verbal obstruction are both covered.