Watch: Controversy erupts as Alex Ross given out obstructing the field in BBL game

Out or not out? 🤔 WATCH Alex Ross's controversial run out at https://t.co/JIyogSUl6G. #TurnUpTheHeat pic.twitter.com/xdmCHx692d

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) January 10, 2018

What’s the story?

Alex Ross, who is currently playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) was given out obstructing the field in today’s game (10th January).

In case you didn’t know…

The seventh edition of the Big Bash League started on 19th December 2017. And, this game between Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes was the 24th game of this season. Before the game started, Brisbane had 4 wins while Hobart had 3 wins and were placed at fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

The Heart of the matter

D’Arcy Short’s brilliant 122 helped the Hobart Hurricanes post 179 while batting first. Brisbane Heat were off to a good start with Brendon McCullum and Sam Heazlett putting on a 64-run opening stand.

Alex Ross walked into bat in the 11th over of Heat’s chase. He started off well by knocking the ball around for ones and twos, but soon opened up and was starting to accelerate before he was ruled out obstructing the field.

In the 17th over of the chase, Ross had already struck two boundaries off Tymal Mills and on the last ball of that over slogged a shortish delivery to deep mid-wicket and ran hard. As he was coming back for the second run, he saw that the throw was coming at his end and he started to change his direction (while running). He ran in the way of the throw and the ball deflected off his bat onto the stumps.

Though he was comfortably in, because he changed his direction while going back for the second run, the third umpire (who took several looks at the replay) gave marching orders to Ross. Skipper Brendon McCullum and coach Daniel Vettori were seen having a lengthy conversation with the third umpire.

Ross’ dismissal was a huge blow to the Heat as they fell short of Hurricanes’ total by 3 runs.

Parallels from history

In June last year, England opener Jason Roy became the first batsman to be given out obstructing the field in T20 Internationals. While running, Roy had changed his direction drastically to come in the way off the throw and hence was given out.

What’s next?

This was Brisbane Heat’s 3rd defeat in 7 games. And they will be facing Hobart Hurricanes again on the 15th of January. Alex Ross is an integral member of the Brisbane Heat for the last couple of seasons. Hence, his contribution in the middle order is vital.

Interesting thoughts from the two skippers tonight on the Alex Ross run-out. https://t.co/AMPPwiXaWE #TurnUpTheHeat pic.twitter.com/AAB54CBj1F

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) January 10, 2018

Author’s note

While this bizarre dismissal is likely to generate a lot of debate, the third umpire was mostly right on his part to give Ross out. The 25-year old Victorian batsman had changed his direction which resulted in him intervening the throw from the deep.