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Dottin Makes Cricket History with 'Obstructing the Field' Dismissal
24 Feb
Summary
- Deandra Dottin became the first West Indies player dismissed obstructing the field.
- The incident occurred during the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
- Cricket's Laws state batters cannot deliberately touch the ball with a hand not holding the bat.
Deandra Dottin has achieved an unwanted first in cricket history, becoming the inaugural West Indies player to be dismissed for obstructing the field. This occurred during the second One Day International match against Sri Lanka, which took place on Sunday. The incident unfolded as the West Indies chased a target of 209 runs.
With the hosts at 5-115 in the 30th over, a wayward delivery from Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu ricocheted off the wicketkeeper's pads. Dottin, on 13 not out, then unnecessarily tapped the ball with her bat and caught it. The fielding side appealed, and Dottin was given out according to Law 37.1.2 of cricket.
This specific law prohibits a batter from wilfully striking the ball with a hand not holding the bat while receiving it. Article 37.4 further clarifies that a batter cannot use their person to return the ball to a fielder without consent. The Marylebone Cricket Club, the sport's lawmakers, affirmed that the umpires' decision was correct once the appeal was made.
The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 194 in 48 overs, resulting in a 14-run defeat. This loss gives Sri Lanka a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The third and final ODI is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue.
