Share

Faf calls obstructing the field decision a ‘joke’

Cape Town - Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis has weighed in on the controversial dismissal of SA Under-19 batsman Jiveshan Pillay in Wednesday's Under-19 World Cup match against the West Indies in Mount Maunganui.

Pillay was given out obstructing the field after a mistimed cover drive while facing Windies quick Jarion Hoyte.

Pillay edged the ball onto his pads, with the ball then dribbling towards the stumps, but stopping before hitting the woodwork.

Pillay, who had scored 47 runs, then tapped the resting ball with his bat, picked it up and threw it to Stewart (WATCH the incident in the tweet below).

Stewart then consulted the two standing umpires before the decision was referred upstairs.

According to ESPNcricinfo, third umpire Ranmore Martinesz made the decision in favour of the West Indies after a long wait and a number of replays.

Du Plessis was upset when he saw the incident and expressed his views on the matter on Twitter: However, according to the letter of the law, the correct decision appears to have been made.

Law 37.4, which deals with 'returning the ball to a fielder', states: "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."

The South Africans managed 282/8 off their allotted 50 overs, before bowling the Windies out for 206 to win by 76 runs.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 946 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 464 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE