Why Mushfiqur Rahim Was Out ‘Obstructing The Field’, Not ‘Handling The Ball’ Against New Zealand

Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim on Wednesday grew to become the primary Bangladesh batter to be given out for ‘obstructing the sphere’ in a weird dismissal on the opening day of the second Test towards New Zealand right here. The 36-year-old Rahim defended a rising supply from New Zealand fast Kyle Jamieson within the fourth ball of the forty first over after which prolonged his proper hand to apparently hold the ball away after it bounced up broad outdoors off stump. The Black Caps had been fast to attraction and the on-field umpires referred the matter to the TV umpire Ahsan Raza who gave Rahim out.

According to Law 37.1.2, “The striker is out obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he/she willfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his/her wicket.”

Did Mushfiqur Rahim really want to try this? He’s been given out for obstructing the sphere! This one will probably be talked about for some time…
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.#BANvNZ pic.twitter.com/SC7IepKRTh

— FanCode (@FanCode) December 6, 2023

Earlier such dismissals had been categorized as “handled the ball” however a change within the legal guidelines in 2017 introduced them below “obstructing the field” class.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was the final batter to be given out ‘dealing with the ball’ towards India in 2001.

Rahim was Bangladesh’s top-scorer together with his 35 off 83 balls because the hosts had been bundled out for 172 inside 67 overs.

Bangladesh received the primary Test in Sylhet by 150 runs.