'You can't do that': Aussie cricket stunned by 'rare' dismissal
The third umpire in the Marsh Cup clash between Victoria and South Australia has upheld one of the rarest dismissals you'll see in cricket - obstructing the field.
Victorian batsman Sam Harper couldn't believe it when he was given out for stepping in the path of a ball thrown at his stumps by South Australian bowler Daniel Worrall.
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Harper's shot had gone straight back to to the bowler's hands and seeing the batsman still moving forward, Worrall smartly threw towards the stumps.
A clear movement to the left from Harper was seen on replays, which the umpires referred to after conferring on the field.
Harper was out of his crease when struck by the ball, with Fox Sports commentator Andrew Symonds certain it was out very early on.
“It’s whether he made his ground or not when the ball was thrown back,” Symonds said.
“I’d say if he was behind the crease, he wouldn’t be obstructing, but if his feet are in front of the crease, he may well be given out here. Because you can’t do that.
“I wouldn’t be giving him out if his feet are behind the line, but if they’re not behind the line, he’s gone.
“That’s a deliberate obstruction to stop the ball going on to hit the stumps for mine.”
The wicket prompted an amused reaction from some, however most agreed that it was the correct decision.
Harper fell for just 7, with Peter Handscombe's century providing a much-needed boost to Victoria's total.
Rare scenes at Junction Oval.
Sam Harper given out for obstructing the field.#MarshCup pic.twitter.com/4C9aIiVJlM— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) April 8, 2021
Incredible scenes at the Junction Oval. SA appealed for obstruction after Sam Harper got in the way of a return throw from Dan Worrall. He was short of the crease when he was hit on the pad & given out. @FoxCricket #MarshCup
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) April 8, 2021
Have to say it was the right call. Harper clearly obstructing for mine
— Rudi (@RudiEdsall) April 8, 2021
Aussie cricketer Daniel Sams tests positive to COVID-19
Cricket star Daniel Sams has tested positive to COVID-19 and is in isolation at a designated medical facility in India, according to the Australian allrounder's IPL franchise.
Sams tested negative upon arriving in India to link with the Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this month, but a second test on Wednesday came back positive.
The 28-year-old will now miss the start of the IPL season, with his return date yet to be confirmed.
He will have to spend a minimum of 10 days in a designated area outside of the bio-secure bubble.
"Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival," Royal Challengers Bangalore tweeted on Wednesday.
"His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility.
"Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols."
Sams' positive test will be a huge scare for the Australian contingent who have flown to India for the IPL.
Stars such as David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith, Jhye Richardson, Pat Cummins, and Glenn Maxwell are among the 18 Australians listed to compete.
Sams made his Twenty20 international debut in December, and has gone on to notch four appearances for Australia.
His most recent match was on March 31 for NSW in their eight-wicket one-day win over Queensland.
With AAP
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