Deepti Sharma's dismissal of Charlotte Dean was the biggest talking point from the third ODI between India and England at Lord's last Saturday (September 24).
The India all-rounder ran out Dean in the 44th over for backing up too far at the non-striker's end when England were on 153/9 while chasing the target of 170.
For the past one week, the 'spirit of cricket' debate is doing the rounds in the cricketing world with people lauding and criticizing Deepti for her antics.
After arriving in India, Deepti on Monday (September 26) claimed that they had warned Charlotte Dean for backing up too far before eventually pulling off the run-out.
Ahead of the Women's T20 Asia Cup, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur touched on the topic and lauded Deepti’s awareness.
"See, we were noticing these things from the last couple of games. She was taking a long stride, she was taking undue advantage. I think it was Deepti's awareness, she was noticing it and we were discussing it," said Harmanpreet during a virtual press conference, as quoted by NDTV.
"But it wasn't in our plans to get her out like that. Everybody was there to win the game. Whenever you are on the ground, you just want to win at any cost. What's most important is that you have to play within the rules. Whatever we have done, it is within the rules. Whatever happened, has happened," she added.
The 16-run victory in the third ODI also gave the Women in Blue a historic 3-0 series victory.
Commenting on the series sweep, Harmanpreet said: "Everything was planned for this series, we were working on something. When we went to England, we did not think that we are here to create any history. When you have the plans, and you are working towards something, the results will come automatically."
Coming to the run-out, Marylebone Cricket Club – the custodians of the laws of cricket – has supported the Indian cricket team by releasing a statement.
"MCC this year announced amendments to the laws of cricket to move being run out at the non-striker's end, from law 41 unfair play, to law 38 run out," the statement stated.
“This change will formally come into effect from 1 October 2022. This was done to clarify this matter and to place an onus on batters to ensure that they do not leave the crease at the non-striker’s end, prior to a bowler releasing the ball.”
“The Law is clear, as it needs to be for all umpires to be able to easily interpret throughout all levels of the game and at all moments in the game.”
(With NDTV inputs)
