Australia fast bowler Mitch Starc had the chance to perform a ‘Mankad’ in the opening over of last night’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka, but opted for a warning instead.
Starc gave a second warning but refused to run out the non-strike – Kusal Perera – which left the question: will we ever see a ‘Mankad’ in international cricket again?
HEAR BRAD HADDIN’S TAKE ON THE MANKAD DEBATE ON THE WILLOW TALK CRICKET PODCAST:
The ‘Mankad’ is the act of the bowler running a batter out at the non-striker’s end in their delivery stride named after former India captain Vinoo Mankad.
The act, while completely legal and well within the laws of the game, divides opinion.
Some say it is against the Spirit of Game, while others (mainly bowlers like India’s Ravichandran Ashwin) believe batters should not be allowed to gain and advantage by leaving their crease early, so play on.
Join Brad Haddin, Adam Peacock and special guests twice a week on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast. Download the free LiSTNR app for free to listen!