Mushfiqur Rahim was out obstructing the field
2023.12.06
In the men’s Test matches, Mushfiqur Rahim became the first hitter to be out while handling the ball in 22 years.
On the opening day of the second Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand at Mirpur, Mushfiqur Rahim was thrown out for blocking the field, making history as the first batter in Test cricket history.
After blocking a ball from Kyle Jamieson into the ground and then slapping it away with his right hand when it rebounded up wide outside off stump, he was removed in the 41st over. Television umpire Ahsan Raza promptly upheld New Zealand’s appeal.
The ball did not pose a threat to the stumps, but Mushfiqur’s movement caused the ball to be handled purposefully. Following an examination and an appeal by the New Zealand team, the umpires upheld the decision. Bangladesh was devastated by his departure when he collapsed to 104/5 under difficult circumstances and was swiftly bowled out for 177.
Mehidy stated, “It happened in the flow of the game.” “When in the crease, a batter must make a snap choice. Most likely, his hand got caught up in his batting motion. Mushfiq bhai didn’t mean to do it. During a game, a lot of thoughts go through your head in the background. These things happen, as seen by our World Cup time-out dismissal.”
“A cricketer who has played over 80 Tests should know he can’t do that,” Tamim said. “This may be achieved via practice habits. Batters frequently take the ball in hand and give it back to the bowler while they are in the nets. Perhaps Mushfiqur stretched his hands without thinking. However, this is manifestly ineligible as a defense.
‘Handled the Ball’ dismissal listed in a different category
Cricket’s ball dismissal procedure has a long history, however as of October 1, 2017, Law 37 redefines it as “obstructing the field.” The process of being dismissed is still an essential aspect of the game, but it is now categorized differently, guaranteeing that touching the ball still results in a batsman leaving the crease—just under a new name.
Interestingly, Mushfiqur’s unique expulsion during a Test match against India in 2001 made him the first batsman to be removed for holding the ball in Test cricket in 22 years. This was in the wake of an incident involving former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Complete list of batters dismissed for handling the ball In Test cricket:
- William Endean: England vs South Africa 1951
- Andrew Hilditch: Australia vs Pakistan – 1979
- Mohsin Khan: Pakistan vs Australia – 1982
- Desmond Haynes: West Indies vs India – 1983
- Graham Gooch: England vs Australia – 1993
- Steve Waugh: Australia vs India – 2001
- Michael Vaughan: England vs India – 2001
- Mushfiqur Rahim: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – 2023
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