Tom Blundell out in bizarre manner in Plunket Shield fixture

New Zealand and Wellington batsman Tom Blundell added his name to the list of unusual dismissals when he was given out obstructing the field on the final day of the Plunket Shield match against Otago at the Basin Reserve.

In the second over of the day, which had been delayed until very late by bad weather, Blundell, who was on 101, played a ball from Jacob Duffy down by his feet in the crease and it bounced up. Sensing the stumps could be in danger, Blundell first attempted to kick the ball away - which is legal to defend the wickets - but having not deflected the ball he then tapped it with his glove.

The bowler and all the nearby Otago fielders - many of who were sporting beanies against the cold - immediately appealed and Blundell was given out. Until 2017, Blundell would have been out handled the ball but a change in the Laws brought that mode of dismissal under obstructing the field.

Blundell will open the batting in the Test series against West Indies next month following his success since taking the role on the tour of Australia last year. After replacing Jeet Raval for the Boxing Day Test, he scored 121 in the second innings - his second Test century follow his debut ton against West Indies in 2017 when he played as the wicketkeeper.

Blundell began the domestic season as wicketkeeper and opening batsman for Wellington but having made four low scores the change was made to play as a specialist batsman.