4 popular batters who got out for handling the ball in Tests

Usually, in Tests, getting out for handling the ball is a rare occurence. Till now, it has happened only seven times. On that note, in this article, we take a look at four popular batters who got out for handling the ball in Tests.

It is rare for a batter to try and handle the ball in Test cricket and lose his wicket in the process. The red-ball format is such that the batters have to rely highly on their patience and ability to control their instincts. It is not so much required in the other formats. That said, it is not a surprise if a player actually loses his focus for a brief moment. Also, such decisions are subjective and the appeal of the bowling team will also be a factor for the umpire to make a decision.

1) Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh is one of the popular batters who got out for handling the ball in Tests. In the 2001 series between India and Australia, we saw some spectacular moments, including India's famous victory at the Eden Gardens. In the Chennai game of the series, Waugh was batting well while Harbhajan Singh was also in good flow. On one of the deliveries, Waugh missed a sweep and the ball was travelling towards the stumps. Waugh obstructed it and hence, had to pay the price.

2) Michael Vaughan

Just a few months after Waugh's dismissal in Chennai, it was the turn of Vaughan to fall prey to a similar kind of dismissal against India. This time, it happened at Bengaluru and Vaughan was on 64 when he got out in this unfortunate manner. After Vaughan, no one has got out in this way.

3) Desmond Haynes

Desmond Haynes is also one of the popular batters who got out for handling the ball in Tests. Yet again, this dismissal is against India. However, this happened in 1983. Desmond Haynes was batting well on 55 when he got out this way.

4) Graham Gooch

It was in the 1993 Ashes that this happened. Graham Gooch's England was looking to survive a game that they were going to lose. Gooch opened the batting and was doing well but he too lost his focus after a ball that hit him was crawling towards the stumps. He had to stop it and lost his wicket.