Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.
John Holder’s verdict
1) This is a serious injury which will need medical attention, so you certainly wouldn’t allow the game to continue, or wait for the batsmen to finish their run. So choose the first option: call and signal dead ball as soon as it is obvious that the fielder is injured. The striker is awarded three runs only. Thanks to Vijay Khan.
2) Not out. There’s no deliberate wrongdoing here, but the fielder is being wildly optimistic with his appeal. His wig is meant to be worn on his head, not on the pitch – it’d be the same decision if the ball had landed in his cap. The fact that the ball didn’t make contact with the grass is irrelevant. Thanks to Charlotte Davis.
3) Call and signal dead ball – but there is no need to take disciplinary action in this instance. Obstruction has to be seen to be intentional and it clearly isn’t here. It would be pretty miraculous had the striker’s team-mates somehow managed to make his phone ring at the precise time he was about to be caught. Better luck next time, fielder. Thanks to Tyrone Finnegan.
Last week’s answers are online now. For a chance to have your cricket question answered in a future strip, email us at you.are.the.umpire@observer.co.uk.
