The third ODI between India and England women was an unforgettable affair for many reasons. Not only was it the final match of Jhulan Goswami’s international career or the first ever instance of India whitewashing England in an ODI series but it will also be remembered for the run-out at non-striker’s end.
The incident that has the entire social media split into two sides happened on the fourth ball of the 44th over. England’s last pair Freya Davies and Charlie Dean was at the crease, having added 35 runs for the last wicket and needing 17 more to chase down 170.
Deepti Sharma – into her bowling stride – noticed Dean backing up at non-striker’s end and pulled out from her action to clip the bails. India won the match by 16 runs, completing a 3-0 whitewash.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was asked about the incident in the presentation ceremony, where the Indian captain stood firmly by her player’s side.
“You didn’t ask me about the first 9 dismissals. It’s part of the game. I don’t think we have done anything new. It shows your awareness, what batters are doing. I will back my players, she hasn’t done something outside the rules,”
said Kaur.
England men’s cricketer Sam Billings was perhaps the most vocal on social media following the incident, as he deemed it “not cricket”.
The veteran seamer James Anderson agreed and tweeted:
“Spot on. No intention of bowling the ball.”
Alex Hales, who made his return for England after three years, had a different stance to his English mates as he said:
“It shouldn’t be difficult for the non striker to stay in their crease till the ball has left the hand.”
For India, it was a great day as they were able to give a fitting farewell to Goswami, who bagged two wickets in her final appearance for India, with the tally reading 255 wickets in her ODI career.
