The most controversial runout of Under-19 World Cup, obstructing the field decision raises eyebrows — WATCH

Mitchell Johnson did not seem disappointed by Windies players who appealed for obstructing the field in Under-19 World Cup game against South Africa

By: Arun Rawal |
January 17, 2018 2:59 pm

The first controversy of the Under-19 World Cup has surfaced and it’s already creating ripples on the internet among the cricketing fraternity. The incident happened in the 17th over of South Africa’s innings in a match against the West Indies.

South African opener Jiveshan Pillay tried to slash the ball which was bowled towards offside but ended up getting an inside edge off his bat on to the pads. The ball landed just behind the crease. Pillay picked the ball up when it was dead and gave it to the wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart.

The Windies skipper then talked to the on-field umpires and they went upstairs for the decision. After a halt of five long minutes, Pillay was given out for handling the ball (obstructing the field). Commentators Anjum Chopra and Tom Moody were not pleased by the decision of the third Umpire as the ball was stationary when he picked it up and gave it to the wicketkeeper.

Handling the ball has always been a controversial decision. As a result, people are questioning the spirit of cricket of the Windies youngsters.

Here’s the video of the incident –

The South African batsman Jiveshan Pillay was given out for this in the Under 19 World Cup game against the West Indies #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/abLvn9NrCb

— Rudi (@RudiEdsall) January 17, 2018

Here is the incident of ‘obstructing the field’ that resulted in SAF batter Pillay given OUT #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/wK7vSSCNfi

— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) January 17, 2018

However, technically one can’t question the Windies player as per the rules. According to Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a fielder), “Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder.” As per the new law, introduced last year, handling the ball rule applies before the striker has “finished playing the ball” while obstructing the field applies afterward.

Here’s how cricketers and other Twitterati reacted to the controversy –

This is a absolute joke…not in the spirit of the game .I have done this almost a 100 times. https://t.co/nX0KUJ9PI4

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) January 17, 2018

Maybe you should stop doing it. Whether we like or not, it’s law in the game. As for spirit of the game, the players didn’t do anything wrong right? #healthydebate

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) January 17, 2018

Can’t believe what I am seeing @ICC #U19WorldCup. WI appealed for handling the ball. The ball had stopped rolling & the player picked it up.

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 17, 2018

Sadly out.. 37.4
But this this is now getting out of control in U19. Where is the “spirit of the game” code gone? https://t.co/WfNpqmyV17

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) January 17, 2018

There are a few laws I don’t like in the game but you have to accept and get on with it, simple as that.

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) January 17, 2018

What’s going on with @westindies eh @irbishi ??? Two tournaments in a row! #terrible #U19CWC

— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) January 17, 2018

So disappointing. https://t.co/wAhDHQESGv

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) January 17, 2018

Unbelievable

— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) January 17, 2018

Didn’t WI win last Under 19 World Cup, and carry out a Mankad during the tournament? https://t.co/2dQnxDcKiH

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) January 17, 2018

Disgusting! Once again WI junior team involved in a matter that goes against the spirit of the game. Law or not, I’ve seen @ABdeVilliers17, @stevesmith49 and @imVkohli pass ball back to fielder. Follow their example youngsters! Play hard but play fair within spirit of game! https://t.co/wePF1N3rKS

— mark boucher (@markb46) January 17, 2018

Wow. Shocking https://t.co/rVWXqA2lBs

— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) January 17, 2018

Too many Spirits in the game.. I guess the Windies knew the law of the game better than everyone else

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 17, 2018

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli abuses during live match once again, this time motivates his bowlers — WATCH

However, South African coach Lawrence Mahatlane doused the flames in his interview after the innings. He said,

Our take is very simple. We play to the laws of the game, and it’s part of the laws. It’s happened so hopefully we’ll learn for a long time from it.

ALSO READ: From slums to Jamaica, India’s own Usain Bolt, Nisar Ahmed!

Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson seemed to be in a no-nonsense mood as he questioned other cricketers who were disappointed after the incident.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli fined 25 percent match fees for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Pillay got out for 47 runs from 51 balls and missed out on a half-century. Despite his wicket, South Africa posted a decent total of 282 for 8 in 50 overs.