Aus v Eng ODI series

[The Waugh Twins]

I don't know who the commentator was when Stokes got out, but he instantly says "Ooh now then" just as Stokes sticks out his hand.

[Gingerfinch]

Stokes war rightly given out, imo. He may have been protecting himself, but it was technically out.

Technically, he couldn't have been out protecting himself, so this post contradicts itself

Them the rules?

Law 33:

In the act of playing a ball delivered by the bowler, he wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether No ball has been called or not and whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike.

(a) the striker will not be out Handled the ball if the strike with a hand not holding the bat is in order to avoid injury.

(b) the striker will not be out Handled the ball but will be liable to be out Obstructing the field if he makes a strike with a hand not holding the bat

(i) unless trying to avoid injury, as a lawful second or subsequent strike which prevents a catch. See Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught).

(ii) unless trying to avoid injury, after he has completed the act of playing the ball, as defined in 1 above.

(iii) at any time while the ball is in play, to return the ball to any fielder, without the consent of a fielder. See Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a fielder).

The controversy over the Stokes dismissal is over the word wilfully. The batsman should only be given out if they deliberately move their hand or bat into the way of the ball to prevent it hitting the stumps, it is important to note that they can not be given out if they are preventing themselves be injured.

It's a tough call, Stokes was not in danger of being injured, but it could be argued that an instinctive reaction is not a wilfull one. For me, given he was in no danger of injury, Stokes was correctly given out.

Having read that, I would agree.

[The Waugh Twins]

Has there been any comment from Stokes I wonder?

[GarlicJam]

Besides all that has been discussed regarding the mechanics of Stokes' movements, etc. I think little attention has been paid to his previously demonstrated skills.

This is a man who has little trouble in picking the length and the line of deliveries, and choosing to block said delivery or smite mightily, with a 3lb lump of wood in his hands, is generally a straightforward exercise. Yet, last night he had trouble telling that the ball was missing him by 2 feet, yet could reach his hand (with no block of wood in it) out to deflect it?

[The Waugh Twins]

I do find it quite surprising how many ex cricketers are absolutely certain that he was defending himself.

Surely there should be a little more support for the umpire's decision considering how much flack they already get. No ones talking about the plumb LBW that was originally given not out until reviewed by Australia to overturn it.

I'm 10,000 miles away and that was not out all day.

[The Waugh Twins]

I do find it quite surprising how many ex cricketers are absolutely certain that he was defending himself.

Surely there should be a little more support for the umpire's decision considering how much flack they already get. No ones talking about the plumb LBW that was originally given not out until reviewed by Australia to overturn it.

I'm 10,000 miles away and that was not out all day.

You're talking about it.

[The Waugh Twins]

Besides all that has been discussed regarding the mechanics of Stokes' movements, etc. I think little attention has been paid to his previously demonstrated skills.

This is a man who has little trouble in picking the length and the line of deliveries, and choosing to block said delivery or smite mightily, with a 3lb lump of wood in his hands, is generally a straightforward exercise. Yet, last night he had trouble telling that the ball was missing him by 2 feet, yet could reach his hand (with no block of wood in it) out to deflect it?

Look at his body language and face as he drags himself up off the ground Garlic. He doesn't look like a bloke that has no idea as to what's going on or why they are appealing.

[SaintPowelly]

The word "wilful" needs removing from the law, no-one wilfully gets out, Buttler didn't wilfully get out LBW, he should of got his limb out of the way

[The Waugh Twins]

Like many cricket laws another one that is ambiguous.

[Aidan11]

Has there been any comment from Stokes I wonder?

Yes. He said many have had their say and he wished he could have his but didn't want to get fined.

[The Waugh Twins]

I've watched the replay about 20 times now and it finally occurred to me, why didn't he just not bother with the ball and just turn around and dive. The ball is actually a decent distance away from him.

[The Waugh Twins]

Has there been any comment from Stokes I wonder?

Yes. He said many have had their say and he wished he could have his but didn't want to get fined.

Wonder if Morgan is getting fined then?

Surely he couldn't be fined for telling us what he was trying to do?

[Aidan11]

Has there been any comment from Stokes I wonder?

Yes. He said many have had their say and he wished he could have his but didn't want to get fined.

Wonder if Morgan is getting fined then?

Surely he couldn't be fined for telling us what he was trying to do?

I think Stokes would be a little less diplomatic if he replied.

[The Waugh Twins]

Problem many sporting folk is that they will lie until they convince themselves that the lie is the truth. We may never find out until his biography comes out, and even then what he says may well be whatever sells the most copies.

[KipperJohn]

There is no doubt in my mind that the correct decision was made.
Starc totally within his rights to try and run Stokes out, who was out of his ground.
All the stuff about split second reaction time is straying off the point - that's the speed at which decisions are made by players all the time at this level - a decision which Stokes got wrong on this occasion. I totally agree with GarlicJam.

The most vulnerable persons on the field are, according to Rod Marsh in his recent Cowdrey Spirit of Cricket MCC lecture, the umpires, who have no protection whatsoever. When the ball is hit straight back at them they try and avoid it - they don't put their hand out!

The Lords crowd booing were a disgrace to the home of cricket.