Overview
- MCC issued the guidance Thursday and said the third-umpire decision on Angkrish Raghuvanshi was correct under Law 37.1.1.
- That law deems a batter out if they wilfully try to obstruct or distract the fielding side, with the call hinging on intent.
- In this case, Raghuvanshi changed his line onto the pitch and put himself between the throw and the stumps, which MCC called a wilful act.
- MCC cited Tom Smith’s umpiring guide, which treats leaving the quickest route, including running on the pitch, as evidence of intent.
- The likelihood of making the crease does not factor into these decisions, a stance MCC says should reduce disputes in similar incidents.