Recently, in the TNPL match between Dindigul Dragons and Nellai Royal Kings, Ashwin, representing Dindigul Dragons, got a taste of his own medicine. Ashwin was warned for leaving the crease early during the game. Known for his past scrutiny over mankading incidents, Ashwin has now experienced a reversal of roles.
The incident occurred when Ashwin was at the crease and left-arm spinner Mohan Prasath came on to bowl the 15th over. Prasath pulled out of his delivery stride, causing Ashwin to hurriedly ensure that his bat was in the crease. Ashwin was safe from a run-out or mankading, though Prasath discussed the situation with the umpire, asking him to monitor Ashwin closely. If Ashwin tried to leave the crease again, Prasath might run him out. This scenario has now become a topic of discussion.
Even Ashwin himself did take part in the discussion tweeted about the laws, asserting why he believes he is right in the scenario.
What is Mankading?
The term “mankading” came into the picture in the 1947 Sydney Test when Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad ran out Australia’s Bill Brown at the non-striker’s end. Since then, this method has been known as mankading. It has always been a legal way to effect a run-out from the non-striker’s end, but it was previously classified under the “unfair play” section of the law book. However, in 2022, the MCC made changes and moved it to the “run-out” section.
Why Ashwin is wrong about Mankad’ laws
As mentioned, Ashwin tweeted a screenshot of the mankading law, specifically Law 38.3.1, which states, “At any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the non-striker is liable to be run out.” However, Ashwin didn’t go deeper into the law, which also specifies the point at which the bowler is normally expected to release the ball, which is “the highest point of their normal bowling action in the delivery swing.”
This means Ashwin focused on only a part of the law. The key is that he needed to stay in the crease until Prasath reached the highest point of his delivery swing to avoid the possibility of being run out.
