'Never seen that before': County star leaves onlookers stunned with bizarre on-field mobile phone mishap

A batter in the County Championships left onlookers stunned as his mobile phone fell out of his pocket as he was attempting to run for a double.

Tom Bailey, a bowler for Lancashire, took to the pitch at No.10 in hopes of extending his team's score in the first innings against Gloucestershire at Old Trafford.

The hosts were 8-401 when Bailey stepped out to face his first delivery but after facing his second, the 34-year-old's phone was found laying on the pitch.

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Bailey attempted to run for a double when his phone fell out at the non-striker's end of the pitch, just a short distance away from the umpire.

"Something has dropped out of his pocket. I think it's his mobile phone," a commentator was heard saying.

"No way, I've never seen that before," another commentator added.

Rival bowler Josh Shaw picked up the phone but it remains unclear if the item was handed to the umpire or if it was taken off the pitch.

Play was stopped for a short period as commentators questioned the official rulings around the incident.

"As much as it is hilarious and we are laughing about it, I almost wonder if that's going to have to be reported," a commentator said.

"The fact that he was out in the middle, with a mobile phone in his pocket."

According to the Country Championship Playing Conditions ruling, the use of "electronic communication devices" or equipment that allows communication between on-field and off-field players is not permitted during scheduled or rescheduled hours of play.

It is unclear what action the English and Wales Cricket Board will take over the incident, with match officials yet to make a comment on the matter.

Though, the incident was not enough to change the result of the innings as Lancashire went on to be bowled out for 450.

Bailey finished with an unbeaten 22 runs while Australian teammate Marcus Harris claimed the top score for his team with a season-best of 167 runs .