Tremendous drama was seen on the field on the very first day of the ongoing second Test match between Australia and Bangladesh. Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood missed a very easy catch because after playing a shot in the air, Bangladeshi batsman Taskin Ahmed, who was present at the crease, collided directly with him. Seeing this unique sight, the spectators present in the ground were also completely surprised.
Immediately after missing the catch, Hazlewood looked very angry and immediately demanded the umpire to give the batsman out. Hazlewood alleged that Taskin had deliberately hit him to avoid being caught.
After 23 years, test on Kangaroo soil and conflict on the field
In the Test series being played between Australia and Bangladesh, there is not only a fierce battle going on between the ball and bat, but also a war of words is going on between the two teams. The Bangladesh team, which toured Australia after a long gap of 23 years, had created history by winning the first Test match played in Darwin. For this reason, the second and decisive match of the series being played in Mackay has become even more exciting.
Taskin collided and Hazlewood missed an easy catch.
In the first innings of the second test, the Bangladeshi team looked completely helpless in front of the Australian bowlers. On the score of just 38 runs, 8 important batsmen of the team had returned to the pavilion. At the time of such crisis, Taskin Ahmed was trying somehow to save the team's reputation on the field.
Taskin played a high aerial shot on the third ball of the 28th over of the innings. The ball was very close to bowler Josh Hazlewood and he had a very easy chance to catch the catch. As Hazlewood moved forward to catch the ball, Taskin Ahmed, who was running towards the non-striker's end, collided directly into him. The collision was so fast that Hazlewood lost his balance and the ball left his hand. After this Hazlewood's anger was clearly visible.
What decision did the umpire give?
Without any delay, Josh Hazlewood appealed to the umpire to give the batsman out under 'Obstructing the Field'. Australian captain Pat Cummins also seemed unhappy with Taskin's attitude and he also put pressure on the umpire.
However, the on-field umpire rejected Australia's strong appeal, saying that Taskin had not intentionally blocked the fielder's path. The umpire believed that when Taskin was running to take the run, his eyes were not towards the ball, hence it cannot be considered a violation of the rules here. However, Taskin could not take much advantage of this gift of life and in the very next over, captain Pat Cummins got him caught out and sent him to the pavilion. Taskin faced 7 balls and could score only 1 run.
What is the 'Obstructing the Field' rule?
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws (Law 37), 'Obstructing the Field' is one of the rare ways in which a batsman can be dismissed. When a batsman deliberately distracts the attention of the fielding team or prevents them from catching the ball by his words, any action or changing the direction of running, then the umpire can declare him out under this rule.
Bangladesh's first innings was reduced to 64 runs
The Bangladeshi team, which registered a historic win in the first Test, collapsed like a pack of cards in the first innings of the second Test. In this match being played in Makay, the entire Bangladesh team was all out for just 64 runs.
Australia's star fast bowler Mitchell Starc took 6 wickets while bowling lethally. Starc created a sensation by dismissing 5 batsmen in his first 22 balls. Apart from him, captain Pat Cummins took 3 wickets and Josh Hazlewood took 1 wicket.
Disclaimer: The match statistics and developments given in this news report are based on the official match scorecards and reports of Cricket Australia (CA) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).