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Men's Test Match Clause 37: Obstructing The Field

37. Obstructing The Field

  • 37.1. Out Obstructing the field

    • 37.1.1. Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of clause 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. See also clause 34 (Hit the ball twice).

    • 37.1.2. The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of clause 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he wilfully 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 wicket.

    • 37.1.3. This clause will apply whether or not No ball is called.

    • 37.1.4. For the avoidance of doubt, if an umpire feels that a batsman, in running between the wickets, has significantly changed his direction without probable cause and thereby obstructed a fielder’s attempt to effect a run out, the batsman should, on appeal, be given out, obstructing the field. It shall not be relevant whether a run out would have occurred or not.

      If the change of direction involves the batsman crossing the pitch, clause 41.14 shall also apply. See also paragraph 2.2 of Appendix D.

  • 37.2. Not out Obstructing the fieldA batsman shall not be out Obstructing the field if obstruction or distraction is accidental, or obstruction is in order to avoid injury, or in the case of the striker, he makes a second or subsequent strike to guard his wicket lawfully as in clause 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once). However, see clause 37.3.

  • 37.3. Obstructing a ball from being caughtThe striker is out Obstructing the field should wilful obstruction or distraction by either batsman prevent a catch being completed. This shall apply even though the obstruction is caused by the striker in lawfully guarding his wicket under the provision of clause 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).

  • 37.4. Returning the ball to a fielderEither batsman is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he uses the bat or any part of his person to return the ball to any fielder.

  • 37.5. Runs scoredWhen either batsman is dismissed Obstructing the field,

    • 37.5.1. unless the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, any runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall be scored, together with any runs awarded for penalties to either side. See clauses 18.6 (Runs awarded for penalties) and 18.8 (Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed).
    • 37.5.2. if the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, any runs completed by the batsmen shall not be scored but any penalties awarded to either side shall stand.

  • 37.6. Bowler does not get creditThe bowler does not get credit for the wicket.