New Delhi: Matthew Wade’s field obstruction in the first T20I against England has sparked another conversation about the ‘spirit of the game’. The incident occurred during the 17th over of the Australian inning when Wade top-edged the ball onto his helmet and it went into the air for Mark Wood to catch. However, Wade obstructed the field by swinging his arm to stop Wood.
When England captain Jos Buttler was asked about the incident during the post-match presentation, he said that his eyes were on the ball and he did not see what actually happened. Only appealing, he said, “They asked if I wanted to appeal, but I thought we are here for a long time in Australia so would be a risky one to go for so early in the trip.” He also added that if it would have been a World Cup game, ‘maybe’ they would have appealed.
Meanwhile, the internet has gone gaga over the incident. People are sharing the video and their opinions about the same.
Don’t really buy Buttler’s justification on not appealing the obstruction from Wade. It’s comical tbh.
He knows he gets big bucks in the IPL but that doesn’t stop him from ranting against India’s spirit of cricket obligations.
Disguised racism much?— Utkarsh Tyagi (@Utkarshtalk99) October 9, 2022
How has Matt Wade not been given out there? Clear deliberate obstruction.
— Craig Strachan (@cjstrachan11) October 9, 2022
That’s obstruction for me. Wade knows what’s he’s doing
— Matthew Lond (@mlond1985) October 9, 2022
Obstruction of Field. Spirit of Cricket @ Wade pic.twitter.com/hEOoyzN4HJ
— ????? (@AqeelSays_) October 9, 2022
How the hell is that not Obstruction. He’s clearing pushing him away..???#AUSvENG #ENGvAUS #Wade https://t.co/JZnsNY9XuD
— Farooq Siddiqui ?? (@farooqsdq) October 9, 2022
The cricket world also reacted to the incident and gave their views on the controversy.
Are our English friends (the custodians of the Spirit of the Game) quiet on this? https://t.co/yseC13fSdZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 9, 2022
Pathetic , in one word this is Cheating, not in the spirit of the game and Obstructing the field and what a terrible excuse from Jos Buttler to not appeal. The sense of entitlement of these guys is unbelievable. Bullshitting about spirit of the game when there is no spirit. https://t.co/4WrbX7Qwb3
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 9, 2022
So you go for it if there is less opprobrium, or if there is more at stake later in the tour right? ☺️☺️ https://t.co/U3BWTIm6YF pic.twitter.com/DOJidez8qx
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 9, 2022
In the game, England scored 208/6 after openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales laid the base for a power-packed inning. Buttler scored 68 off just 32 balls while Hales hit 84 off 51 deliveries. Nathan Ellis bowled tight and ended up with the figures of 20/3. After Green got out, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh built a partnership. Warner’s 73 off 44 and Marcus Stoinis’ cracking 35 off 15 went in vain as Australia lost by 8 runs. Wade scored 21 off 15 while Mark Wood was great with 34/3.
