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Obstructing the field is one of the ten methods of dismissing a batsman in the sport of cricket. It dictates that either batsman can be given out if he wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. It is governed by Law 37 of the laws of cricket, and is a rare way for a batsman to be dismissed: in the history of cricket, there have been only one instance in test matches matches and five occasions in One Day International (ODI) games. In most cases this occurs when a batsman thinks that he is going to be run out and he blocks the ball with his bat or changes his running between wickets line to block the ball. It is legal to block the ball if, when a batsmen is running between wickets, he does not deviate from his course and the ball hits him without the batsmen blocking the ball on purpose.

The only time a batsmen has been dismissed obstructing the ball in a test match was in the South African cricket team's tour to in England in 1951 when, in the fifth test match of the series, Leonard Hutton top edged the ball and, thinking the ball would hit the stumps, attempted to hit the ball away from the stumps, but actually prevented the wicket-keeper from catching the ball.

Definition
Obstructing the field is Law 37 in the laws of cricket established by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). A batsman can be given out for handling the ball under three circumstances. If the batsmen wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat, unless this is in order to avoid injury or any other part of his person or with his bat. The second circumstance is if either batsmen should wilfully obstruct or distract a fielder preventing a catch being made. The latter situation is rarely applied, as the fielding side generally accept that the batsman is being helpful in returning the ball. A batsmen can also be out if, at any time while the ball is in play and without the consent of a fielder, he uses his bat or any part of his person, including a hand not holding the bat, to return the ball to any fielder. The latter situation is rarely applied, as the fielding side generally accept that the batsman is being helpful in returning the ball. A bowler does not receive credit for the wicket when a batsman is dismissed in this fashion, and any runs that have been completed before the offence is committed are scored (unless the obstruction prevents a catch being made).