In an unexpected turn of events during the ongoing second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name into an unusual record, becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to be dismissed for handling the ball in Test cricket.
Historical dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim
On the opening day of the game, Mushfiqur faced an unusual dismissal in the 41st over. Responding to a length delivery from Kyle Jamieson, Mushfiqur, in an uncharacteristic moment of confusion, used his right hand to push the ball away after playing a defensive shot.
Despite the ball not threatening the stumps, Mushfiqur’s action resulted in a deliberate handling of the ball. New Zealand players appealed, and after a review, the umpires confirmed the dismissal. His departure came as a blow to Bangladesh, slipping to 104/5 in challenging conditions and quickly getting bundled out for 177.
‘Handled the Ball’ dismissal listed in a different category
The handling of the ball dismissal has a rich history in cricket, but as of October 1, 2017, it has been subsumed into ‘obstructing the field’ under Law 37. Though the method of dismissal remains integral to the game, it now falls under a different category, ensuring that handling the ball still leads to a batsman’s departure from the crease, albeit with a different label.
Also WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim becomes the first Bangladesh player to be given out for handling the ball – BAN vs NZ 2023, 2nd Test
Notably, Mushfiqur’s unusual dismissal makes him the first batter in 22 years to be dismissed for handling the ball in Test cricket, following former England skipper Michael Vaughan‘s incident in 2001 during a Test against India.
Complete list of batters dismissed for handling the ball In Test cricket:
- William Endean: England vs South Africa 1951
- Andrew Hilditch: Australia vs Pakistan – 1979
- Mohsin Khan: Pakistan vs Australia – 1982
- Desmond Haynes: West Indies vs India – 1983
- Graham Gooch: England vs Australia – 1993
- Steve Waugh: Australia vs India – 2001
- Michael Vaughan: England vs India – 2001
- Mushfiqur Rahim: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – 2023
