Controversy erupts at Lord's as Ben Stokes is given out obstructing the field
The ongoing second One-Day International between hosts England and Australia was engulfed in controversy as all-rounder Ben Stokes was given out obstructing the field. It is only the sixth time in One-Day international cricket and the first time an English cricketer has been dismissed in the manner in the 50-over format.
The 24-year-old appeared to be protecting himself more than anything else when he stuck his hand out as bowler Mitchell Starc threw the ball back at the stumps after Stokes had hit Mitchell Starc’s fast and full inswinging delivery straight back to the bowler.
The Australian team, however, decided to appeal suggesting that Stokes was out of the crease and had intentionally struck out his hand. On-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Tim Robinson decided to hand over the final call to the third umpire, Joe Wilson, who ruled in the favour of the reigning world champions, much to the displeasure of the Lord's crowd who responded with cries of boos.
The decision also infuriated England skipper Eoin Morgan who was batting at the other end and had a lengthy discussion with the umpires along with his Australian counterpart Steven Smith.
Smith, however feels that the Australians were well within their right to appeal.
The social media have reacted with fans and former cricketers criticising the Australian’s decision to appeal as they felt Stokes was taking evasive action.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said, as reported by BBC: "It was a poor decision. Anyone who has played the game knows that when the ball is thrown at you from close range like that you put your hand up to protect yourself. When you see it real time he fears the ball is going to hit him. It was obvious."