Handled the ball

Handled the ball is a method of dismissal in the sport of cricket.

Unusual dismissal

It is very unusual for a batsman to get out 'handled the ball' - there is no reason why a batsman should handle it. When it has happened, it is usually because the batsman has unthinkingly swept the ball away from his stumps whilst trying to protect his wicket. This happened to Russell Endean, Mohsin Khan, Desmond Haynes, Graham Gooch and Steve Waugh.

Related Topics:
Russell Endean - Mohsin Khan - Desmond Haynes - Graham Gooch - Steve Waugh

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More controversially, Michael Vaughan was given out in Bangalore against India in 2001 when he inexplicably picked up the moving ball that was going nowhere near his stumps. This was quite controversial. Since Vaughan seemed to be picking the ball up to pass it back to the Indians, it is unclear why he wasn't given out 'obstructing the field'.

Related Topics:
Michael Vaughan - Bangalore - 2001

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Hilditch's dismissal was even more controversial than Vaughan's. Whilst at the non-strikers end, Hilditch picked up the ball to pass back to the Pakistanis. Strictly speaking, Hilditch had broken the law and the umpire was correct to rule him out. But the appeal was against the spirit of cricket and viewed as gamesmanship.

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