Ignorance of law results in bizarre dismissals: Ramiz Raja on Ben Stokes

Out of total six batsmen given out for 'obstructing the field' in ODIs, four are from Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja contributed his two cents to Ben Stokes controversial dismissal by stating that instances where batsmen become victims of unusual dismissal of "obstructing the field" result because of "ignorance of laws" by players.

On Saturday, in an ODI against Australia at home of cricket, Lord’s, England's Stokes was declared out by third umpire Joel Wilson in this rare mode of dismissal. He is the first Englishman to be out in this fashion in ODIs and joins the list first headed by Raja.

Read: Australia win overshadowed by Stokes controversial dismissal



"The batsman got out in this fashion mainly because of ignorance of the laws. It happens so quickly that the batsman has no time to think anything else," said Ramiz, according to Deccan Chronicles.

"The victim realises his mistake late. I don't think any batsman would want to be out in this fashion. At least in my case it was certainly the ignorance of laws at the time," said the 54-year-old former batsman, who has become a renowned international cricket commentator.

Interestingly, out of total six batsmen being given out by this mode of dismissal in ODIs, four are from Pakistan. "That's how the Pakistani batsmen make game interesting," said the commentator, cheekily.

"Ramiz Raja completed a hat-trick of unusual dismissals against England in 1987. Incorrectly given run out when walking for a catch off a no-ball in Perth, and run out without facing at the Oval in the Texaco Trophy, he was given out obstructing the field at Lord’s when looking for a second run off the final delivery to reach his hundred. It was the first such dismissal in a One-day International," reported Wisden Almanack.

Read: The curious case of Ben Stokes: Recalling strange yet funny ways of getting out

Since the incident, members of the cricketing fraternity have been divided over which side to support. Australian captain Steve Smith has been facing criticism for not withdrawing the appeal and thus not showing the spirit of the game. When questioned, the Kangroos captain’s father Peter Smith, however didn't wish to comment more on the incident.

"I was not at Lord's but saw the match on TV. The Australians felt the batsman was out, the Englishmen think otherwise. Whatever decision is taken by the umpires has to be respected. I can't comment more about my son's sportsman spirit,” said Peter.

This article originally appeared on Deccan Chronicles.