India all-rounder Deepti Sharma's decision to run-out England's Charlotte Dean at the non-striker's end because she was backing up too far before the ball was released has generated a lot of contrasting opinions on social media, leaving the cricketing fraternity divided. This act was earlier popularly known as 'Mankad' after India cricket legend Vinoo Mankad afflicted this mode of dismissal by running out Australia's Bill Brown at non-striker's end. Though many cricketers argue that it is against the spirit of the game, it is totally legal as per the laws of the sport.
Earlier this week, the ICC also changed some playing conditions and regarding "running out of the non-striker", the apex cricket body stated "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."
The likes of Wasim Jaffer, Virender Sehwag, Tabraiz Shamsi, Monty Panesar defended Deepti, saying it is totally within the laws of the game.
There are few players who have also criticised Deepti for resorting to this mode of dismissal.
"There's surely not a person who has played the game that thinks this is acceptable? Just not cricket...," said Billings.
James Anderson, England's ageless spin legend also replied to Billings that Deepti had no intentions of bowling the ball.
"Spot on. No intention of bowling the ball," replied Anderson.
Fans also weighed in on the entire debate, and they gave their take on the entire episode.
Coming to the match, India was bundled out for 169 after being asked to bat first by England. Chasing 170, a brilliant spell from Renuka Singh (4/29) had reduced England to 65/7. Knocks from captain Amy Jones (28) and Charlotte Dean (47) took England close to a victory, but in the end, India held their nerve to seal a 3-0 series win.