Saturday 5 September 2015 23:41, UK
Ben Stokes was given out obstructing the field in controversial fashion in England's 64-run defeat to Australia in the second ODI at Lord's.
Stokes, out of his crease, having hit the ball back to Starc, then stuck out his hand to block the return throw from the bowler at his stumps.
Was it intentional, or an instinctive act to avoid injury? The umpires decided the former and he was given out. Play the video at the top of the page to decide for yourself.
Stokes is only the seventh batsman to be dismissed obstructing the history of the game, while there have been five previous instances in ODIs.
Sir Ian Botham told Sky Sports: "The first thing to consider is that I don't think any batsman who has a 6ft 7in giant running at him from about 16 yards and loading up to throw it is thinking about anything else apart from getting out of the way one way or another.
"He's got to be very good if he's looking the wrong way when he's diving back to catch the ball without looking. Should a captain appeal for that?"
Former England captain Mike Atherton said: "I suppose Steven Smith could have said, 'I withdraw the appeal'. He didn't and left it to the umpires, which he's perfectly entitled to do and the umpires made their interpretation. Morgan was clearly unhappy."
David Lloyd added: "My own view is that you have to decide in real-time if it is wilful obstruction or is he just getting out of the way?
"The rules state that 'either batsman is out obstructing the field if he wilfully obstructs or distracts the field by word or action; furthermore it shall be regarded as obstruction if while the ball is in play, either batsman wilfully or without the consent of the fielder strikes the ball with his bat or person'.
"In slow motion it looks as though he clearly handles the ball and stops it from hitting the stumps. In real-time he's getting out of the way."
Nick Knight added: "It was an uncomfortable moment. Is he trying to stop the ball hitting the stumps or is he protecting himself? You've got to remember that the ball is about 18 yards away when the ball is thrown. The crowd were very unhappy and made their point."
Watch the third ODI between England and Australia live on Sky Sports 2 from 1.30pm on Tuesday.
