IND-W vs AUS-W: Why was Alyssa Healy not given out 'obstructing the field' on Day 3 of the one-off Test?

Controversy arose on Day 3 of the one-off Test match between Australia and India at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, December 23, when Australia captain Alyssa Healy became the focus of attention. The incident unfolded during the third delivery of the 80th over in Australia's second innings as Healy advanced down the pitch, playing a delivery from Harmanpreet Kaur back to the bowler.

The Indian captain acted swiftly, retrieved the ball, and aimed it towards the batter upon noticing Healy out of her crease. However, the Aussie was positioned in the line of the throw and ahead of the stumps. Despite Kaur appealing for 'obstructing the field,' the on-field umpires did not give the batter out while the ball had reached the boundary.

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According to MCC’s law 37.1, “Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, he/she wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action.”

The law adds: “A batter shall not be out Obstructing the field if the obstruction or distraction is accidental, or the obstruction is in order to avoid injury, or in the case of the striker, he/she makes a second or subsequent strike to guard his/her wicket lawfully.”

Watch the incident here:

After the heated argument, Harmanpreet Kaur had the final say as she dismissed Healy lbw in the very next ball. Healy, attempting a premeditated sweep against a straight delivery by the Indian captain, missed the shot entirely, and the ball struck her on the pad. Following a close DRS (Decision Review System) check, the third umpire adjudged her out for 32 runs. 

At the close of the day, Australia were at 233-5 in the second innings, holding a lead of 46 runs with Annabel Sutherland (12*) and Ashleigh Gardner (7*) at the crease. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia could score only 219 in their first innings. In response, the hosts compiled a substantial score of 406 runs, featuring four batters who notched up half-centuries. With just one day remaining, the match could be a thrilling one.