“Classic example of obstruction”: Andrew Symonds reacts to Sam Harper obstructing the field in VIC vs SA Marsh Cup match

Sam Harper obstructing the field: The Victorian wicket-keeper batsman was involved in a debatable dismissal at the Junction Oval today.

During the 15th match of the ongoing 52nd season of the Marsh Cup between Victoria and South Australia in Melbourne, Victoria wicket-keeper batsman Sam Harper registered a rare dismissal after he was given out obstructing the field.

It all had happened on the second delivery of the sixth over when Harper played a Daniel Worrall delivery back to him. Having stepped out a bit, Harper was outside his crease which saw Worrall throwing the ball towards the stumps at the striker’s end to run out the batsman.

Finding himself in a bit of a trouble, Harper back-pedaled towards the batting crease only to come in the way of the ball and stumps in the process. Call it intentional or by mistake, Harper had done enough to be given out obstructing the field after the visitors appealed for the same.

The dismissal went in South Australia’s favour after a five minute-delay in which the on-field umpires discussed the incident with the third umpire. While South Australia captain Travis Head was given the option of withdrawing the appeal in the name of “Spirit of Cricket”, he chose not to and stuck by the rules of the game.

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“The ball would have probably gone on to hit middle and leg stump, so the throw was straight. When the ball makes contact with his legs he’s a foot outside his ground, so he’s preventing the ball going back to hit the stumps. It’s a classic example of obstruction,” former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds said while calling the game alongside Corbin Middlemas.

Opening the batting with Nic Maddinson (34), Harper departed after scoring 7 (15). However, individual centuries from captain Peter Handscomb (131) and batsman Jonathan Merlo (101) powered the hosts to 333/7 in 50 overs after Head won the toss and chose to field at the Junction Oval.

Sam Harper obstructing the field dismissal vs South Australia

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