Mushfiqur Rahim Makes History as First Bangladesh Men's Batter Given Out for Obstructing the Field

Experienced wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim has etched an unusual record in Bangladesh cricket history by becoming the first male batter to be dismissed via obstructing the field in Test cricket. This incident occurred during the post-lunch session on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand.

In the 41st over, Rahim faced a delivery from Kyle Jamieson and, seemingly instinctively, extended his right hand to prevent the ball, even though it was nowhere near the stumps. The swift appeal from the New Zealand players prompted the on-field umpires to refer the decision to the third umpire for review. After scrutinizing the replays, TV umpire Ahsan Raza concluded that Rahim deliberately stopped the ball and declared him out for obstructing the field.

Since 2017, the category of handling the ball has been subsumed under obstructing the field. According to the updated Laws of Cricket:

37.1.1 states, "Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he/she wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action."

37.1.2 notes, "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 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."

Rahim, in the act of "wilfully" pushing the ball away while it was still in play, had to leave the field after scoring 35 runs off 83 balls. This incident marks the first instance of a batter being dismissed for obstructing the field in Tests since the rule update in 2017. Prior to this, seven batters had been given out for 'handling the ball' in the history of Men’s Test cricket.

(With Agency Inputs)