Handled the ball
A batter can be out for touching the ball with a hand that is not holding the bat, unless the batter did it to protect the wicket or with the fielders' consent. The mode is "hb".
Obstructing the field
A batter can be out for willfully obstructing the field, for example by stopping a ball or a fielder from taking a catch, or moving into the path of a throw. Accidental contact is not obstruction. The mode is "obs".
What the scorer records
- hb or obs, with the batter who was out.
- No bowler gets the wicket for either mode.
- Runs completed before the decision go to the batting side.
Why these are judgements
Both depend on what the batter intended and what the umpire saw. The scorer records the umpire's decision and does not interpret the event.
Common mistakes
- Recording a handled ball when the batter was protecting the stumps.
- Giving the bowler the wicket for obstruction.
- Recording a dismissal before the umpire has made the decision.
Citations
MCC Laws of Cricket, the sections on handled the ball and obstructing the field.
Match questions
Questions scorers actually ask
- 01 Does the bowler get a wicket for handled the ball?
- No. Handled the ball and obstructing the field are dismissals without a bowler credit.
- 02 Can a batter touch the ball to stop it hitting the stumps?
- Yes. Protecting the wicket is allowed, and the batter is not out for handling the ball in that case.
- 03 Is accidental contact obstruction?
- No. Obstruction needs a deliberate act that hinders a fielder, judged by the umpire.
