Pollard Apologises to Gunathilaka After Controversial Obstructing The Field Dismissal
West Indian captain Kieron Pollard apologised to Sri Lankan batsman Danushka Gunathilaka after getting him dismissed 'Obstructing the Field' in the first ODI between the two teams at North Sound on Wednesday, March 10.
- Cricketnext Staff
- Updated: March 11, 2021, 6:37 PM IST

West Indian captain Kieron Pollard apologised to Sri Lankan batsman Danushka Gunathilaka after getting him dismissed ‘Obstructing the Field’ in the first ODI between the two teams at North Sound on Wednesday, March 10. The controversial appeal and the subsequent dismissal had sparked off a fierce debate on social media among former cricketers, fans, pundits and analysts.
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Under law 37 of the game, a batsman can be given out if he “wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract” the fielding side but video replays suggested Gunathilaka did not intentionally push the ball away from Pollard. However, that was not the view of the third umpire. On-field umpire Joel Wilson referred the decision to the third umpire, who gave the red signal much to the shock of the Sri Lankan batsman.
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Tom Moody, Sri Lanka’s Director of Cricket, was extremely disappointed with the verdict. “Wilful obstruction – no way was that wilful – shocker,” tweeted the former Australia player. Former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy shared the same view, “Don’t think that was wilful at all. I wouldn’t appeal,” stated the 37-year-old.
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Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1 | England | 6877 | 275 |
2 | Australia | 6800 | 272 |
3 | India | 10186 | 268 |
4 | Pakistan | 7516 | 259 |
5 | South Africa | 5047 | 252 |
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