India on their recently concluded tour of England after losing the 3-match T20I series 1-2, made a strong comeback during the ODI leg which had them come to Lord’s for the final and the 3rd ODI with a 2-0 lead. The low-scoring game at Lord’s was an action-packed one that had all flavours present and an optional one as well, with there being a good dose of avoidable controversy.
The avoidable controversy was that of Charlie Dean’s dismissal that took place in the 44th over with 153 on board and England requiring 17 for the win. The final wicket partnership between Charlie Dean and Freya Davies was worth 35 runs that came to an abrupt end as Deepti Sharma following an indication from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur ran Charlie Dean out on 47 at the non-strikers’ end.
The legality behind Deepti Sharma’s Mankad to Charlie Dean by the International Cricket Council (ICC) is explained as a fair practice. Quoting, “Running out of the non-striker: The Playing Conditions follow the Laws in moving this method of effecting a Run out from the ‘Unfair Play’ section to the ‘Run out’ section.
Just when one would have imagined the controversy has made it to a cold case, a sparkle from a few fresh-fired shots has brought back life to the controversy.
Deepti Sharma confirmed that a warning was given to Charlie Dean
On the Indian team’s arrival in Kolkata (India), Deepti Sharma was asked about the avoidable controversial dismissal and replied, “Nothing, it was our plan because she repeatedly…we had warned her also. We did it according to the rules and guidelines.” Deepti then was specifically asked on if she had warned anyone about Charlie Dean leaving the crease early, commented, “Yes, yes definitely we did say because we told the umpires. But still, she was there so we couldn’t do anything.”
Now, the twist in the tale. A Tweet from regular English skipper, Heather Knight, who’s currently missing action due to rehab following hip surgery, read that Dean hadn’t been warned by the Indian players.
Heather Knight accuses Deepti Sharma of lying
Quoting Heather Knight’s Tweet, “The game is over, Charlie was dismissed legitimately. India were deserved winners of the match and the series. But no warnings were given. They don’t need to be given, so it hasn’t made the dismissal any less legitimate…,” she added, “But if they’re comfortable with the decision to affect the run out, India shouldn’t feel the need to justify it by lying about warnings 🤷🏼♀️.”
Deepti Sharma’s statement in the media contradicts her skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur’s from the post-match press conference. Harmanpreet was asked if she knew Deepti was preparing to run the non-striker out for backing up too far and she said, “No, I wasn’t aware. And that’s what I’m saying, I’m actually happy she (Deepti Sharma) was aware because she was bowling from both ends in the middle and she knew she Charlie (Dean) was going and I think it was her awareness.”
Deepti Sharma confirmed that warnings were given to Charlie Dean.
Heather Knight opposes! #ENGvIND #CricketTwitter #mankading pic.twitter.com/l1IG33woIG
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 26, 2022
Deepti Sharma for her Mankad move has received both warmth and heat as experts and fans are divided over opinions, but had skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s backing. Indian skipper on Deepti Sharma’s move in her post-match interaction said, “It’s part of the game, I don’t think we have done something new. It shows your awareness, of what batters are doing. I will back my players, she hasn’t done something outside the rules.”