Roy first to be given out obstructing the field in T20Is

taunton, June 24

Jason Roy became the first ever batsman to be given out obstructing the field in T20Is during England’s three-run defeat against South Africa at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. 

Chasing a target of 175, England were on course for a series-clinching win with 133/2 in the 16th over bowled by Chris Morris when Roy, who was batting on 67, was given out. 

Debutant Liam Livingstone dabbed the ball to the backward point region where South African pacer Andile Phehlukwayo collected it and threw at the non-striker’s end. 

Roy, who was at the non-striker’s end, was halfway down the pitch when he was sent back by Livingstone. Phehlukwayo’s throw hit Roy on his boot and the tourists, led by Morris started appealing for obstructing the field and umpire Michael Gough immediately signalled a dead ball and went upstairs with a soft signal not out. 

The replays showed that the right-handed batsman did change his path and came in way of the throw. The third umpire took a lot of time and in the end gave the decision in South Africa’s favour.

The wicket triggered a mini-collapse as the hosts slumped from 133-2 in 15 overs to 171-6 in 20 overs and eventually lost the match by three runs.

In the end, England could manage 171 runs for the loss of six wickets.

England had crushed the tourists by nine wickets in the first match of the series in Southampton.

Brief scores: SA: 174/8 (de Villiers 46, Curran 3/33); Eng: 171/6 (Roy 67, Morris 2/18). — Agencies