Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.
John Holder’s verdict
1) Obstruction has to be seen to be intentional – so you need to sure. If, in your opinion, the non-striker deliberately knocked the ball away with his bat to prevent it hitting the wicket, then give the striker out bowled and report the non-striker for unfair play. Thanks to Steven Boyde.
2) You need to call and signal dead ball here. The striker is clearly troubled by the wasp, so he obviously isn’t ready to receive the delivery. The fielding side’s appeal is an optimistic one. Thanks to John Rogan.
3) There is nothing in the laws to prevent the running batsmen from discarding their equipment like this – so, as long as no fielder was obstructed by the discarded items, there is no big problem. But I would tell the batting captain that it was against the traditions of the game. One of your roles is to safeguard the spirit of cricket – the traditions and norms must be respected, and players should not be discarding their kit on the field of play like this. Thanks to Neil Oxbury.
Win a signed John Holder book
For a chance to win a signed copy of umpire John Holder’s forthcoming autobiography Test of Character, email your cricketing question, name and address to you.are.the.umpire@observer.co.uk. If your scenario appears in a future You are the Umpire this summer, you win a copy of the book. Terms apply.
Test of Character is out in hardback on 1 July, £18.99.
