Boos rained down at the MCG as Melbourne Stars captain Adam Zampa attempted a ‘Mankad’ run out dismissal during the Big Bash derby against the Renegades.
Despite the crowd being predominantly Stars fans, the reaction suggested most were against the controversial act – which was ruled legal by the ICC last year.
The dismissal was famously dubbed a “Mankad” named after the India bowler who ran out Australia batsman Bill Brown in the 1948 Sydney Test, and has ignited debate just about every time it has been used since then.
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On Tuesday night Zampa used the tactic against Tom Rogers as the non-striker stepped too far out of his crease during the final over of their Big Bash clash, leaving fellow batsman Mackenzie Harvey shaking his head in shock.
The incident was reviewed but Zampa’s arm had “gone past the vertical” – too far into his bowling action – meaning it was declared not out.
“Must’ve warned him,” Brad Haddin said on Fox Cricket.
“I reckon Zampa was dirty from the ball before when Rogers got in and out and got Harvey on strike.
“Didn’t think we were gonna see it (attempted in the BBL), to be honest.”
Commentator Anthony Hudson added: “It’s on at the MCG!”
During the innings break Brett Lee explained: “If he goes past where he’s meant to let go of the ball there … it’s deemed you can’t actually Mankad the batsman.
“Listen, I don’t like that rule, I don’t like the Mankad rule whatsoever, I reckon they should take it out of their hands.
“The best way to do it is to say to the batsman, if you leave your crease, you get docked five runs. Take it away from the bowler … I just don’t like seeing that in the game of cricket.”
The incident appeared to fire Rogers up who took 3-11 in his opening two overs, including getting Stars batsman Tom Rogers.
“I was padding up and he came in fuming,” Rogers’ Renegades teammate Sam Harper explained on Fox Cricket.
“If he’s gonna bowl 140 km/h absolute seams he should get Mankadded more often.”
Stars coach David Hussey told Fox Cricket the team would’ve withdrawn the appeal if it had been given out.
“It’s not the right way to play cricket – yet. It was more of a warning for the batter not to leave too early,” Hussey said.
It comes a week after Mitchell Starc opted against Mankadding South Africa’s Theunis de Bruyn when the batsman was “halfway down Punt Road” during the MCG Test.
