A moment of controversy emerged during the second Women’s ODI between England and India at Lord’s when England opener Tammy Beaumont was involved in a contentious ‘obstructing the field’ appeal. The incident, though ultimately ruled in the batter’s favour, has stirred debate about how the laws are interpreted and enforced in women’s international cricket.

Tammy Beaumont’s close call erupts controversy

In the fifth over of England’s innings, Deepti Sharma delivered a fuller ball to Beaumont, who drove it to Jemimah Rodrigues at short midwicket. Rodrigues swiftly fielded the ball and aimed a throw towards the wicketkeeper, Richa Ghosh. Beaumont, having aborted an attempted single, was walking back to the crease. She placed her left foot inside the crease but then appeared to swing her right foot towards the incoming throw—seemingly in an effort to deflect it.

Although no contact was made with the ball, India’s fielders promptly appealed for ‘obstructing the field’, claiming deliberate interference. After an on-field consultation, the decision was referred to the third umpire, who, upon review, adjudged Beaumont ‘not out’.

What the laws say about obstructing the field

According to MCC Law 37.1.1, a batter can be given out for obstructing the field if they wilfully attempt to obstruct or distract the fielding side while the ball is in play, barring a few specific exceptions outlined in clause 37.2 (accidental obstruction, injury avoidance, or lawful defence of the wicket).

Importantly, the law does not exempt a player who is already within the crease. If a player intentionally interferes with the ball’s path, even after grounding their bat or foot inside the crease, they can still be dismissed under this law.

Beaumont’s action—appearing to swing her foot towards the throw—triggered the appeal. However, the third umpire concluded that there was no wilful attempt to obstruct, hence ruling her not out.

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England level series with dominant win

At the time of the incident, Beaumont was batting on 25 and seemed well-set. She was eventually dismissed for 34 by Sneh Rana in the 11th over. The decision didn’t cost India significantly in terms of the scoreboard, but the ambiguity surrounding the intent has led to discussions on whether the laws need clearer interpretation or application.

Despite the controversy, England went on to clinch an eight-wicket win in a rain-shortened contest. Chasing a revised target of 115 in 29 overs, the hosts were led by Amy Jones, who anchored the innings with a composed 46 not out.

India, after their commanding win in the series opener, faltered with the bat. They could only manage 143/8, with Smriti Mandhana’s 42 being the lone bright spot. England’s bowlers kept things tight throughout, and the home side comfortably chased down the target, making it 1-1 heading into the final game.

Also READ: ENG-W vs IND-W: England level ODI series with dominant DLS victory at Lord’s

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.