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Joe Moores Dismissed for Obstructing the Field
In a surprising turn during the County Championship match against Northamptonshire, Lancashire wicketkeeper-batter Joe Moores was dismissed for obstructing the field. This rare occurrence marks Moores as only the 43rd player in first-class cricket history to receive this type of dismissal, according to Wisden.
The list includes two Test cricketers — England’s Len Hutton in 1951 and Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim in 2023-24. Lancashire were chasing 446 for victory but were bowled out for 129. Ben Walkden was the only batter to offer resistance, finishing unbeaten on 22. Northamptonshire had made 284 in their first innings, with George Bartlett scoring 92. Lancashire were then dismissed for 137, with Ben Sanderson taking 4-39. Northamptonshire built a lead of 147 before declaring their second innings at 298-4. Ricardo Vasconcelos scored 100, while Saif Zaib remained unbeaten on 55. Lancashire’s second innings lasted only 129 runs.
Moores had scored two runs in Lancashire’s second innings when the incident occurred in the 33rd over. Northamptonshire pacer Luke Procter bowled a short delivery that angled into left-handed Moores. The batter went back and defended the ball, which bounced close to the crease and appeared to be heading towards the stumps. Moores then caught the ball with his hands, seemingly thinking it was about to hit the stumps. He quickly realised his mistake and dropped it. Northamptonshire’s fielders appealed, and Moores was given out for obstructing the field. The dismissal placed Moores in a small group of batters to have been given out in this manner in first-class cricket. George Balderson and Walkden took seven wickets between them. Sanderson, Procter, Liam Guthrie and Calvin Harrison took two wickets each, while Yuzvendra Chahal took one.
The defeat was Lancashire’s fifth in nine matches and left them second-last in the points table. Northamptonshire moved to third with four wins from nine games. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Northamptonshire’s next match is against Kent, while Lancashire will face Worcestershire. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.