Ace India spinner R Ashwin has suggested the ICC should bestow a bravery award for bowlers who run out batters backing up too far at the non-striker’s end after the exciting and debate-inducing finish to the 3rd ODI between India and England women’s teams.
The match was won by India by 16 runs when India bowler Deepti Sharma ran out non-striker Charlie Dean who had backed up too far before the ball was bowled. India also completed a maiden white-wash of England in the ODI series in England, giving veteran Jhulan Goswami a fitting farewell.
However, soon after the runout, which was well within the confines of the ICC ruling on the matter, many former England players and media people criticized Deepti for the lack of spirit of the game.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings was among the first ones to tweet: "There's surely not a person who has played the game that thinks this is acceptable? Just not cricket." Billings and James Anderson then engaged in some banter on Twitter about the dismissal.
He added another tweet, saying: "Not even looking at the other end in delivery stride." To this, England pacer James Anderson replied: "Spot on. No intention of bowling the ball."
The banter continued further with Billings telling Anderson, "Imagine how many more wickets you could get James."
This also led to R Ashwin trending on social media, given he backed this method of dismissing the batter.
On Sunday, Ashwin also shared his thoughts on the constant jibes and criticism of this kind of dismissal.
He asked the ICC to come up with a bravery award for the bowlers who run out batters at the non-striker's end as there is a lot of stigmas involved with the dismissal.
ENGW v INDW 2022: England Men’s cricketers unpleased after Deepti Sharma’s run-out of Charlie Dean
"In fact that's a great idea. How about awarding that wicket to the bowler for " presence of mind" under immense pressure and of course knowing the social stigma that he/she would have to deal with post doing it. How about a bravery award to go with it too @ICC," tweeted Ashwin.
This mode of dismissal has always attracted some contrasting opinions and it is no surprise that some of the England cricketers weren't in the mood to accept this wicket.
However, earlier this month, the ICC announced certain changes to the playing conditions. Regarding "running out of the non-striker", the ICC 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."
