Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma’s decision to beat England’s Charlotte Dean at the non-striker’s end for backing too far before the ball was released has generated many conflicting opinions on social media, dividing the cricketing association. This act was previously popularly known as ‘Mankad’ after Indian cricket legend Vinoo Mankad caused this manner of dismissal by knocking out Australian Bill Brown at the end of the non-rush hour. While many cricketers claim it is against the spirit of the game, it is completely legal under the laws of the sport.
Earlier this week, the ICC also changed some terms of play and regarding “run out of the non-striker”, the apex cricket body stated: “The terms of play follow the laws when moving this method to effect a run-out from the ‘Unfair Game’ section to the ‘Run out’ section.”
People like Wasim Jaffer, Virender Sehwag, Tabraiz Shamsi and Monty Panesar defended Deepti, saying it is completely within the laws of the game.
It’s actually very simple. The ball comes into play when the bowler starts running. From that moment on as a batter or non-striker you have to keep your eyes on the ball, if you are a little careless the opposition will take you out. And you can get off on either side. #ENGvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 24, 2022
Funny to see so many English guys are poor losers. #Running out . pic.twitter.com/OJOibK6iBZ
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 24, 2022
I’m not on anyone’s side here, but my view is that if bowlers are forced to stay behind the line when bowling due to the laws in force… batters can also learn to stay behind the line while driving backwards due to the laws in force
Seems fair to me if we all obey the laws
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) September 24, 2022
It would long be questioned, but it is in the law of the games. You can run out by #mankading.
Keep in mind it’s in the laws of the game. #ENGvsIND— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) September 24, 2022
Few players have also criticized Deepti for resorting to this method of dismissal.
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“Surely there is no person who has played the game and thinks this is acceptable? Just not cricket…,” Billings said.
Surely there is no person who has played the game who thinks this is acceptable?
Just no cricket… https://t.co/VLGeddDlrz
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) September 24, 2022
James Anderson, England’s ageless spin legend, also replied to Billings that Deepti had no intention of bowling the ball.
“Spot on. Not going to bowl the ball,” Anderson replied.
On the spot. No intention to bowl the ball
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) September 24, 2022
Leading up to the match, India was knocked out for 169 after England asked him to bat first. Chasing 170, a brilliant spell from Renuka Singh (4/29) had reduced England to 65/7. Knocking off captain Amy Jones (28) and Charlotte Dean (47) brought England close to a win, but in the end India kept the nerve to win a 3-0 series.
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