During today’s opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Dhaka, Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh became the first player in the country to be out obstructing the field. Tamim Iqbal, a debutant international commentator, remarked that Mushfiqur, having played over 80 Tests, should have known better than to handle the ball. Mushfiqur was on 35 runs when he used his gloves to push away a delivery that had dropped close to his feet, prompting the umpires to review the play for a possible obstructing the field dismissal.

“A cricketer who has played over 80 Tests, should know he can’t do that,” Tamim said in the commentary box.

Before 2017, ‘handling the ball’ was a distinct form of dismissal, but a law change incorporated it under obstructing the field. Mushfiqur Rahim’s recent dismissal marks the ninth instance of a batter being out for obstructing the field, following a law change that includes England’s Sir Len Hutton’s dismissal in 1951. In terms of handling the ball, Mushfiqur is now the eighth batter to be out this way. Tamim Iqbal noted that the habit of handling the ball can sometimes develop during net practice. Seven batters had previously faced handling the ball dismissals, with Michael Vaughan and Steve Waugh being the last ones in 2001.

“Practice habit can make this happen. In the nets, batters often take the ball in hand and return it back to the bowler. Maybe Mushfiqur did it unconsciously and extended his hands. But this obviously can’t be an excuse,” Tamim further said in commentary.