Cricket fans at Old Trafford witnessed a truly funny incident during a County Championship match on Saturday, May 3rd. Lancashire batter Tom Bailey, while running between the wickets, accidentally dropped his mobile phone onto the pitch.
The unusual incident occurred on Day 2 of Lancashire’s Division Two match against Gloucestershire. Tom Bailey had recently arrived at the crease. On just his second delivery, he pushed the ball for a quick couple of runs. As Tom Bailey reached the non-striker’s end and turned to complete the second run, something tumbled from his pocket.
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Replays confirmed it was a mobile phone, much to the amusement of Gloucestershire’s Ajeet Singh Dale, who was seen playfully picking it up. The commentators were left speechless, exclaiming, “No way, I’ve never seen that before!”
This raises the question of the rules regarding mobile phones on the cricket pitch. According to clause 41.5 of the County Championship 2025 Playing Conditions, players are prohibited from using electronic communication devices on the field, with the exception of player movement technology.
The rule specifically targets devices enabling communication between on-field players and those off the field.
In Tom Bailey’s case, while he undeniably had a phone on him, there’s no indication it was being used. As of now, no official action has been taken against the county batter, but the incident has certainly ignited discussion about the strictness of enforcing such regulations.
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This isn’t the first time phones have caused a stir in cricket. Legendary umpire Dickie Bird once recounted Allan Lamb bringing a phone onto the field and asking Bird to answer it. In 2014, a Lancashire League match was even interrupted by the theft of 12 phones from players’ jackets.
