Heat unhappy but CA backs BBL obstruction

Cricket Australia says the decision to give Brisbane's Alex Ross out obstructing the field in the Big Bash was correct, but Queensland Cricket isn't happy.

Alex Ross walks off the Gabba.

Brisbane's Alex Ross departs after his controversial dismissal during the Heat's BBL loss to Hobart. (AAP)

Queensland Cricket chief executive Max Walters has taken a shot at Cricket Australia (CA) for standing by the controversial call to give Alex Ross out for obstructing the field in Brisbane's Big Bash League loss to Hobart.

The Heat were still bemused on Thursday by the decision, as Ross claimed he was trying to run away from the ball when it struck him while completing a run, before being given out by the third umpire.

Heat coach Daniel Vettori called for officials to be held accountable after Wednesday night's loss, while a number of past and present players also questioned the call.

The incident led to an animated conversation between captains, post-match, with Brendon McCullum accusing Hobart counterpart George Bailey of acting outside the spirit of the game in continuing the appeal.

But after a review by CA's match officials department, a spokesman said the decision was correct.

"The dismissal last night of Alex Ross from Brisbane Heat saw the batsman change direction, turn to watch the direction of the throw and run on the pitch," he said.

"The third umpire concluded that the change of running direction of the batsman, after seeing the direction of the throw, obstructed the wicketkeeper's opportunity to affect the run-out.

"Obstructing the field is one of the more difficult decisions to interpret as it is based on umpires assessing the intent of the batsman.

"After assessing footage of the incident alongside the Laws, playing conditions, and cues that umpires are provided, CA believe the obstructing the field decision from last night's game is justified."

However that meant little to Walters, who made a point to defend the integrity of Ross and the officials in a statement, but questioned if the decision was in the best interests of the game.

"The umpire is always right and we congratulate the Hurricanes on their victory," he said.

"It's time to move on.

"But we need to understand clearly that mum, dad and the kids are interested in being entertained, not subjected to a forensic examination of the rule book."

CA's interpretation of the rule takes into account whether the batsman changed direction while running, and is not concerned whether a run-out would have occurred otherwise.

But, on Twitter on Thursday, Ross claimed he was only trying to avoid injury.

"I can unequivocally say I was trying to run away from the line of the ball to avoid being hit, as I felt I was going to make my ground," he said.

Vettori said he'd like to hear from third umpire Simon Lightbody who made the call, but downplayed the suggestion there would be bad blood between the two teams when they meet again on Monday.

"The fact that they looked at it for what seemed an eternity meant that there must have been some doubt about it," he said.

"With so much riding on the result of a game, everyone needs to be accountable."


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Source: AAP



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