June 24 (CRICKETNMORE) - England batsman Jason Roy became the first batsman in T20I history to be given out obstructing the field (T20I) during his side's three-run defeat against South Africa at Taunton on Friday.
Roy who was superbly batting on 67 when he was given out in the 16th over of the innings. Livingstone, who was on strike with Roy at the other end, declined a quick single after hitting the ball towards point. Phehlukwayo had a shy at the non striker's end and the ball hit Roy on his boot. The South Africans appealed immediately for obstructing the field.
The umpires first called it a dead ball and then decided to go upstairs. The replays showed that Roy did change his path and came in way of the throw. The third umpire had a long hard look at the replays and in the end gave the decision in South Africa's favour.
In ODI, six batsmen have been given out obstructing the field while England's Len Hutton is the only cricketer to be dismissed in this fashion in Test cricket in the fifth Test against South Africa at The Oval in 1951.
Saurabh