Cricket: Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade accused of obstructing the field

Australian batsman Marcus Wade with his arm on England's Mark Wood.

England captain Jos Buttler has seemingly gifted Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade a reprieve after withdrawing an appeal for obstructing the field during the first T20 at Perth Stadium on Sunday evening.

Chasing a record target of 209 for victory in the series opener, Australia was 5/170 in the 17th over when England paceman Mark Wood delivered a brutal bouncer that struck Wade on the bat and helmet, ricocheting into the air.

Wood and Buttler, who was donning the gloves, sprinted in to claim the catch while a disorientated Wade looked around for the ball.

But as the Tasmanian turned back towards the popping crease, he stretched out his left arm, blocking Wood as he approached the falling Kookaburra.

Buttler and Wood immediately turned to the umpires in frustration, but play resumed after Wade consulted medical staff for the head knock.

Several cricket pundits argued that Wade was guilty of obstructing the field, with social media inevitably erupting after the incident.

Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja tweeted: "Can't believe they didn't appeal."

Matthew Wade clearly obstructed Mark Wood. He may not have known where the ball was, but he definitely stuck his arm out to stop Wood #AUSvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/0AG8Y92yKF

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 9, 2022

Matthew Wade proving that the Australians are basically a team of cheaters pic.twitter.com/3pNRThczal

— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) October 9, 2022

If that isn’t obstructing the field what is?

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) October 9, 2022

Is that not out?!? Surely Wade is stopping Wood get the ball there… #AUSvENG

— Henry Collier (@HM_Collier) October 9, 2022

Law 37.3.1 states: "If the delivery is not a No ball, the striker is out Obstructing the field if wilful obstruction or distraction by either batter prevents the striker being out Caught."

At the post-match presentation, Buttler confirmed that he withdrew the team's appeal against Wade, giving the Australian an extra life at the crease.

"They said, 'Did we want to appeal?' and I said, 'No'," he explained.

"I just had my eyes on the ball the whole time, so didn't really see what happened.

"We've only just got to Australia so I thought, let's carry on in the game.

"I didn't see it live, I was just looking at the ball … I don't know what I'm appealing for really.

"I could have asked maybe some of the other boys to see if they had a better view but I just thought, get on with the game."

Asked if he would have done the same in a World Cup match, Buttler replied with a smile: "Maybe."

Wade, who was on zero when the incident occurred, was eventually dismissed by England seamer Sam Curran in the final over for 21 (15) as the visitors clinched an eight-run victory.

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis defended his teammate after the match, telling reporters in the post-match press conference: "There's a lot that goes on there when you get hit in the head and you're running around.

"You don't know where the ball is … it is chaos."

Buttler's generous act was undoubtedly the most diplomatic approach, but English cricket fans quickly pointed out the Australians weren't as charitable when confronted with a similar scenario seven years ago.

In 2015, England all-rounder Ben Stokes was given out obstructing the field during an ODI at Lord's after blocking a throw at the stumps from bowler Mitchell Starc.

Wade, wearing the gloves behind the stumps, appealed for a wicket and Australian captain Steve Smith opted not to withdraw the appeal.

"Wadey had a good view of it behind the stumps," Smith said at the time.

"He said straight away that he thought the ball was missing Stokesy and it was going to hit the stumps.