Danushka Gunathilaka was given out in controversial circumstances during the first West Indies-Sri Lanka ODI, adjudged to be obstructing the field after kicking the ball away.

A number of observers suggested Gunathilaka’s actions weren’t wilful, as the relevant Law states they must be for such a decision to be reached, with his backheel an inadvertent one.

The incident occurred in the 22nd over of the Sri Lanka innings, with the opener having not long before reached his ninth ODI half-century. He blocked a delivery from West Indies captain Kieron Pollard down into the ground, taking a few steps down the wicket before sending back his partner, Pathum Nissanka.

Pollard had continued in his follow-through to field the ball, sensing a chance for a run out, with the non-striker a distance down the pitch. However, as he went to gather, Gunathilaka stepped backwards, preventing Pollard from collecting the ball with his foot.

Pollard appealed for ‘obstructing the field’ with the on-field umpires conveying a soft signal of ‘out’ to the TV umpire. After looking at the replays, Gunathilaka was given out, and the West Indies celebrated raucously. He is the 11th batsman to be given out obstructing the field in the history of international cricket.

Ian Bishop, on commentary, questioned whether Gunathilaka’s actions were intentional. “He does take a little glance down as he’s about to take that second step there. But I don’t know, I’m not convinced in my mind that he actually knew, when he glanced down [where the ball was].”

#WIvSL
Obstruction or not ? 😵 pic.twitter.com/AblpoGG9rY

— Rahul ® (@RahulSadhu009) March 10, 2021

Law 37 regards how a batsman can be given out obstructing the field. Clause 37.1.1 states: “Either batsman is out obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he/she wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action.”

However, clause 37.2 makes clear that “A batsman shall not be out obstructing the field if [the] obstruction or distraction is accidental.”

There was debate on social media about the rights and wrongs of the decision.

I don’t think Gunathilaka knew where the ball was, and I think he tried to get out of the way. No way that was “willful.” #WIvSL

— Jamie Harrison (@JamieHarrison__) March 10, 2021

Even former West Indies captain Daren Sammy questioned Pollard’s appeal.

Don’t think that was willful at all. I wouldn’t appeal but hey 🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 10, 2021

Watch the decision below and make your mind up for yourself:

This doesn't happen often 😱

Kieron Pollard feels that Danushka Gunathilaka was obstructing the field and appeals for his dismissal…

The Sri Lankan's aren't happy 😤 pic.twitter.com/ODmn99elWR

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) March 10, 2021

Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match awards, player interviews, analysis and much more.