Violence on the field of play

[Reggie Duff]

I hope it never happens, but I have often wondered ....
If, when the ball is dead, a batsman physically assaults another player and he is sent off, (which I assume is the correct response from the umpires because the Laws tell us that there is no place for violence on the field) how is it recorded by the scorers. Is he Retired - Out, because none of the 10 methods of dismissal fit, unless he was actually obstructing the field whilst the ball was in play.

[missingleg]

I don't think the umpire has the power to send an individual off; certainly it doesn't specifically say so in The Laws. He can report it and/or abandon the match and let the league deal with it; in either case the batsman would be not out.

[jaybee]

I agree that the Laws don't allow the umpire to do this though some leagues have sanctions in their playing rules / disciplinary codes. For example in the Home Counties Premier League the umpires have power to suspend a player from taking any further part in the match if he commits a Level 4 offence (which includes physical assault) and no substitute is allowed.
I hesitate to suggest how this should be recorded - but it would be a travesty if a batsman were recorded as 'Not Out' in such circumstances (it would then boost his average).
Perhaps this is something where the Laws could be updated from the grassroots up, rather than having matters with little practical relevance to most of the cricket played in the UK imposed because they affect the professional game.

[missingleg]

If this ever were to happen through local league regulations then 'retired out' would seem the most sensible answer. He's not retired through injury so he can't keep his average.