Obstructing the Field
Also known as: obstructing the field, obstruction of the field, handled the ball, handling the ball, out for obstruction, blocking the throw
Either batter is out obstructing the field (Law 37) for wilfully obstructing or distracting the fielders by word or action. It includes striking the ball with a hand not holding the bat. That used to be a separate dismissal called 'handled the ball'. It also covers handing the ball back to a fielder without their consent. Accidental contact, or moving to avoid injury, is not out.
Law 37 covers several deliberate acts. Either batter is out if they wilfully try to obstruct or distract the fielding side while the ball is in play. That can be by shouting, or by changing your running line to block a throw at the stumps. The striker is out if they wilfully strike the ball with a hand not holding the bat while receiving it. Since the 2017 Code this replaces the old dismissal 'handled the ball'. The striker is also out for deliberately dropping or throwing the bat to hit the ball, or to stop any dismissal except hit wicket.
Two more cases catch players out. A batter who uses the bat or body to return the ball to a fielder, without that fielder's consent, is out. So ask before you tap the ball back. A batter whose wilful obstruction or distraction stops a catch being taken is also out, and the striker is the one dismissed. You are not out if the obstruction is accidental or you move to avoid injury. A lawful second strike to protect your stumps is also allowed. That last one does not apply if it stops a catch.
The bowler does not get credit for the wicket. Runs completed before the offence count, unless the obstruction stopped a catch. In that case no runs count and the fielding captain chooses who faces next. You can be out this way off a no ball or a wide. Run in a straight line, keep your hands away from the ball and let the fielders field. That keeps you clear of this Law.
Tips by skill level
Never touch the ball with your hand while it is in play. If a fielder wants it back, let them come and get it or wait until they ask.
When running towards the danger end, pick a line to one side of the pitch and hold it. A straight, predictable line keeps you off the protected area and out of any obstruction argument.
Example
Running for a quick single, a batter sees the throw coming and swerves into its path, and the ball hits his body. The fielding side appeals. The umpire judges the swerve deliberate and gives him out obstructing the field.
Why it matters
It is rare, but it is decided on the umpire's judgement of intent. Knowing what counts keeps you from giving away your wicket through a careless habit.
Common mistakes
- Picking up or tapping the ball back to a fielder without being asked
- Changing your running line to get between the throw and the stumps
- Brushing the ball away with the bottom hand off the bat when it is rolling towards the stumps
- Thinking 'handled the ball' is still a separate way of being out
Frequently asked questions
Can you be out for handling the ball in cricket?
Yes, but it is now given as obstructing the field. Since the 2017 Code, wilfully striking the ball with a hand not holding the bat while receiving it is covered by Law 37.
What is obstructing the field in cricket?
It is a dismissal under Law 37. Either batter is out for wilfully obstructing or distracting the fielding side by word or action. Blocking a throw or stopping a catch on purpose both count. Accidental contact is not out.
Can I pass the ball back to the fielder with my bat?
Only if a fielder agrees. Under Law 37.4, returning the ball to a fielder without their consent is out obstructing the field. That applies with the bat or any part of your body.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 37 (Obstructing the field), pp. 110-112
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 18.13.1 (who faces after a catch is obstructed), p. 58
- MCC Law clarification (30 April 2026): changing direction to run on the pitch is a wilful act under Law 37.1.1
Related terms
- Ways to Be Out in CricketThe Laws of Cricket list nine ways to be out. They are bowled, caught, hit the ball twice, hit wicket, LBW, obstructing the field, run out, stumped and timed out. A batter can also be recorded as 'retired out'. Off a no ball, only hit the ball twice, obstructing the field and run out apply.
- Run OutA run out happens when a fielder puts down the wicket while a batter is out of their ground, whether or not a run is being attempted (Law 38.1). The batter is out.
- Direct Hit Run-OutA direct hit run-out is when a fielder's throw hits the stumps directly, not relayed through the wicket-keeper. It dismisses a batter who is short of their crease.
- Hit WicketA batter is out hit wicket if they break their own stumps with their bat or body while preparing to play, or playing, the ball. It also applies when they knock the stumps while regaining balance after the shot, or while setting off for their first run. You cannot be out hit wicket off a no ball, but you can be off a wide.
- CaughtCaught is a way of being out in cricket. The batter is out when a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground, after it has come off the bat or a glove on the hand holding the bat (Laws 33.1 and 5.6).
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.