Running Out Non-Striker In Cricket: Here's What 'Legends' Told NDTV

While speaking to NDTV, the likes of Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor, Lance Klusener and Ryan Sidebottom gave their opinion on running the non-striker out when they are backing up too far ahead

The debate around whether running out the non-striker, when he or she is backing up too far ahead of the crease, has picked up once again after India women's team all-rounder Deepti Sharma dismissed Charlie Dean of England at the mecca of cricket -- Lord's Cricket Ground. This mode of dismissal is well within the laws and the next day, the MCC -- the custodians of the game also came out with a statement, saying what transpired was well within the laws and it shouldn't be looked at as anything more.

But several England cricketers, former and current, unanimously said that the act done by the Indian cricketer was not in keeping with the "spirit of cricket". The dismissal has for long, in cricket parlance, been known as 'Mankad'. A little backgrounder first, as to why this mode of dismissal has for long been called 'Mankad'. India legend Vinoo Mankad had dismissed Bill Brown of Australia as he was backing up too far out of his crease during India's first-ever series Down Under in 1947-48.

From then onwards, this mode of dismissal is referred to as 'Mankad' by western countries. However, this mode of dismissal got a major shot in the arm some days back, as the ICC came up with the new playing conditions which will come into effect from October 1. Regarding 'Running out of the non-striker', the ICC said "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."

Looking at the huge outcry over Deepti running out Dean, NDTV spoke to a few former players who are currently in India to participate in Legends League Cricket. We spoke to Ryan Sidebottom (England), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Ross Taylor (New Zealand), and Lance Klusener (South Africa). Kallis, and Taylor said that they would not resort to this mode of dismissal, while Sidebottom and Klusener made some interesting observations.

"One I am a bowler, so I am biased. It is within the laws of the game, isn't it? I think for too long, the batters have had it a little bit easy with the rules, two white balls and you can only bowl one bouncer in an over. It is very difficult for the bowlers; you have to stay in your crease. It is a contentious subject because people say it is not within the spirit of cricket but if you go by the rules, it is within the laws. It is a gentleman's game; the women's game is also rising. Yes, I agree with it, but on the other hand, it kind of does not put a great light on, I suppose, Jhulan Goswami's retirement and to win a game like that. But it is within the rules," said former England pacer Sidebottom.