Jos Buttler was the victim of a ‘Mankad’ dismissal during England’s one-day international – and the perpetrator was controversial Sri Lanka spinner Sachithre Senanayake.
Buttler, the new golden boy of English cricket, was run out by the bowler backing up. The fact he was out of his crease meant the dismissal was legitimate – especially as the batsman was twice warned in the spinner’s previous over.
Despite being legal it is seen as some as against the spirit of the game and the fact it was
Senanayake – who was reported for a suspect bowling action the day before the match – only added controversy.
The practice is named after Indian Vinoo Mankad, who ran out the Australian Bill Brown during a Test in 1947/48.
The act infuriated by Aussies and has been known as ‘Mankading’ ever since.
The dismissal sparked quite a reaction, with Graeme Swann tweeting: ‘I think if I’d been called for chucking I’d try to keep a low profile for a while rather than pull out the mankad!!! Incredible scenes!’ He later added: ‘To be clear on this I think the mankad is just wrong even though it’s not illegal. Like cuddling your sister whilst watching a film.’
Former England captain Michael Vaughan waded in with his opinion and his ire was aimed at Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews. Captains usually decide to call the batsman back in these instances but Mathews did not and Vaughan tweeted: ‘Totally blame the Captain… He is the man who makes the decisions and should have over turned the decision… No way to play the game…’
Former England captain Alec Stewart added: ‘The spirit of cricket has been broken but Sri Lanka are within their rights to uphold the appeal. The laws of the game allow this dismissal.’
Warwickshire all-rounder Rikki Clarke raged: ‘That is absolutely rubbish. Can’t get Jos Buttler out normally that they have to do that.’
And former Manchester United and Everton footballer Phil Neville – a good junior cricketer – gave his two penn’orth, saying: I got run out like that once -greemount vs glodick away I was 11 playing in 3rd xl – it nearly started a full scale riot!!’
England were all out for 219.
Off you go: Umpire Michael Gough gives Buttler out after he was ‘Mankaded’ by Senanayake
