Sydney: Umpiring controversies have been Indian cricket’s steady companions through two disastrous tours of England and Australia. Today, the relationship breached new grounds in the Sydney ODI.
In the Australian innings, India appealed against David Hussey for what seemed a case of both handling the ball and obstructing the field. On-field umpires Simon Taufel and Billy Bowden in consultation with TV umpire Simon Fry ruled in Hussey’s favour.
Later as India chased, non-striker Sachin Tendulkar was run-out attempting a quick single off Brett Lee, who accidentally blocked Tendulkar’s way. David Warner scored the direct hit to run out Tendulkar, who expressed his displeasure at the strange dismissal. The umpires again had a consultation but there seemed no element of unfair play here.
As he went after the ball, Lee had his back to Tendulkar, who came charging down from the bowler's end but had to change directions to avoid running into the bowler.
In the 24th over of the Australian innings, Hussey held up his right hand to prevent Suresh Raina’s throw from hitting him as he ran towards the bowler’s end for a single. India instantly appealed. After being turned down, India captain MS Dhoni was seen having an argument with Bowden.
Cricket’s Law 33.1 (Handling The Ball) says, “(A) - Either batsman is out handled the ball if he wilfully touches the ball while in play with a hand or hands not holding the bat unless he does so with the consent of a fielder, or (B) - Either batsman is out under this Law if, while the ball is in play, and without the consent of a fielder, he uses his hand or hands not holding the bat to return the ball to any fielder.”
However, Law 33.2 says the batsman can be reprieved if he handles the ball to avoid injury, which is what seemed to have saved Hussey. Dhoni was heard on the stump microphone arguing with Bowden that the ball was six inches away from Hussey and he could not have got injured.
Hussey’s case seemed a good example for Obstructing The Field, which is dealt by Law 37. Hussey was out of his crease and blocked the ball from completing a run-out.
In 2006, Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq was out for obstructing the field in an ODI against India. Raina was the thrower on that occasion as well.
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