Officials give controversial obstruction call OK

CRICKET Australia has stood by the controversial decision to give Alex Ross out for obstructing the field in their Big Bash loss to Hobart on Wednesday after a review.

Brisbane was still bemused by the decision yesterday, as Ross claimed he was trying to run away from the ball when it struck him and coach Daniel Vettori called for officials to be held accountable.

Chasing 180 for an unlikely victory, Heat batsman Alex Ross was hit by a return throw while scampering for a second run, the ball deflecting off him into the stumps as he made his ground.

Initially appealing for a runout, Hobart then queried if Ross had purposely changed his line and obstructed the field, to which the third umpire agreed.

The incident led to an animated conversation between both captains post-match, with Brendon McCullum accusing Hobart counterpart George Bailey of acting outside the spirit of the game in continuing the appeal.

But after a review by CA’s match officials department, a spokesman said the right decision had been made.

“The dismissal last night of Alex Ross from Brisbane Heat saw the batsman change direction, turn to watch the direction of the throw, and run on the pitch,” he said.

“The third umpire concluded that the change of running direction of the batsman, after seeing the direction of the throw, obstructed the wicketkeeper’s opportunity to affect the run-out.

“Obstructing the field is one of the more difficult decisions to interpret as it is based on umpires assessing the intent of the batsman.

“After assessing footage of the incident alongside the laws, playing conditions, and cues that umpires are provided, CA believe the obstructing the field decision from last night’s game is justified.”

CA’s interpretation of the rule takes into account wheth- er the batsman changed direction while running, and does not take interest in whether a run-out would have occurred otherwise.

However, Ross claimed he was only trying to avoid injury.

“I can unequivocally say I was trying to run away from the line of the ball to avoid being hit, as I felt I was going to make my ground,” he said.