Mushfiqur first B’desh batter to be out for obstructing field

Mirpur, Dec 6: Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim on Wednesday became the first Bangladesh batter to be given out for ‘obstructing the field’ in a bizarre dismissal on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand here.
The 36-year-old Rahim defended a rising delivery from New Zealand quick Kyle Jamieson in the fourth ball of the 41st over and then extended his right hand to apparently keep the ball away after it bounced up wide outside off stump.
The Black Caps were quick to appeal and the on-field umpires referred the matter to the TV umpire Ahsan Raza who gave Rahim out.
According to Law 37.1.2, “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. (PTI)