Non-Striker: In cricket, run outs are among the most thrilling and intense dismissals. While most cricket fans are familiar with the traditional run out (where a batsman is dismissed by the fielding team), there exists a specific type of run out that often sparks controversy and debate—the non-striker run out, also known as the “Mankad.” This occurs when the bowler dismisses the non-striker before delivering the ball, typically if the non-striker has left the crease early. It is a rare and sometimes contentious method of dismissal, but it remains an essential aspect of the game.
What is a Non-Striker Run Out?
A non-striker run out, or a Mankad, happens when the bowler removes the bails at the non-striker’s end while the non-striker is out of the crease before the ball is bowled. The dismissal is named after Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, who famously employed this tactic during a Test match against Australia in 1947.
This form of dismissal has become a subject of debate over the years, with some seeing it as a legitimate tactic within the laws of the game, while others view it as unsportsmanlike.
How Does a Non-Striker Run Out Happen?
- The Non-Striker’s Movement:
- The non-striker is expected to remain inside the crease until the bowler delivers the ball. However, many non-strikers tend to step out of their crease prematurely, hoping to gain a few extra inches to improve their chances of making a run once the ball is hit.
- Bowler’s Action:
- The bowler, upon noticing the non-striker leaving the crease too early, has the option to stop mid-delivery or even before the ball is bowled and whip off the bails at the non-striker’s end.
- The Dismissal:
- If the bowler successfully removes the bails while the non-striker is outside the crease, the non-striker is declared run out.
- The Umpire’s Role:
- The umpire has to carefully monitor the non-striker’s position and ensure that the bowler has adhered to the correct procedures for the dismissal.
Laws Surrounding Non-Striker Run Outs
The laws regarding non-striker run outs are outlined under Law 41 of the MCC Laws of Cricket.
- Law 41.16: This law states that the non-striker can be run out before the bowler delivers the ball if the non-striker has left the crease early.
- Warning Before Mankading: Traditionally, bowlers are expected to warn the non-striker before attempting a run out. This is not a requirement by the law but rather a practice followed in the spirit of sportsmanship.
- No Delivery Bowled Yet: This type of dismissal can only happen before the bowler has delivered the ball. Once the ball is released, the non-striker cannot be run out in this manner.
Table 1: Key Aspects of Non-Striker Run Out (Mankad)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Term | Non-Striker Run Out / Mankad |
| Law Reference | Law 41.16 (MCC Laws of Cricket) |
| Criteria for Dismissal | Non-striker is outside the crease before the bowler delivers the ball. |
| Warning | Unofficially, the bowler may issue a warning before attempting the dismissal. |
| Umpire’s Role | To ensure that the non-striker is within the crease and that the bowler follows proper procedure. |
| Controversy | Debated for its perceived sportsmanship and fairness. |
| Frequency in Matches | Rare, but can occur in high-stakes situations. |
Why is the Non-Striker Run Out Controversial?
- Spirit of the Game:
- Many believe that the non-striker run out goes against the spirit of the game. Some argue that it is the responsibility of the batsman to stay inside the crease, and the bowler should focus on the delivery rather than attempting a dismissal that could be seen as taking advantage of an unintentional mistake.
- Fairness:
- On the other hand, advocates argue that it is entirely within the laws of the game. The non-striker is technically breaking the rules by leaving the crease early, and the bowler should have every right to dismiss them. Bowlers are often expected to keep their cool and bowl, but why should they not have the option to dismiss a non-striker who is regularly attempting to cheat the system by leaving early?
- Perception:
- The perception of unsporting behavior often arises when this dismissal is executed, particularly when it happens in the final moments of a match or when the bowler has not provided a warning. It often draws strong reactions from fans and players alike, especially if it happens in a high-stakes match or a World Cup.
Table 2: Famous Non-Striker Run Outs in Cricket History
| Date | Match | Bowler | Non-Striker | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 (Test) | India vs Australia | Vinoo Mankad | Bill Brown | Mankad dismissed Brown, creating the precedent for the term “Mankad”. |
| 2014 (ODI) | India vs Sri Lanka | Ravi Ashwin | Lahiru Thirimanne | Ashwin successfully ran out Thirimanne during the delivery stride. |
| 2018 (IPL) | Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals | Ravichandran Ashwin | Jos Buttler | Ashwin controversially ran out Buttler after he left the crease early. |
| 2020 (IPL) | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Kagiso Rabada | Shubman Gill | Rabada ran out Gill after a series of early warnings. |
| 2021 (T20I) | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | Rashid Khan | Regis Chakabva | Rashid Khan attempted a Mankad but did not complete it, showcasing the careful approach taken by bowlers. |
Impact of Non-Striker Run Outs on the Game
The non-striker run out (or Mankad) has had a lasting effect on cricket, both on and off the field:
- Batsmen’s Awareness:
- This tactic has made non-strikers more cautious about leaving the crease too early. Batsmen now tend to stay within the crease until the ball is released, reducing instances of the run out.
- Strategic Use by Bowlers:
- Bowlers, especially spinners, use the Mankad as a strategic tool to unsettle the opposition. It can be particularly effective in situations where a non-striker repeatedly tries to take an advantage.
- Legal or Unsporting?:
- The Mankad remains a point of contention in the ongoing debate about what constitutes fair play. Some cricket experts argue that while it’s within the laws, it lacks the ‘spirit’ of cricket, and others feel it is an essential part of the game that prevents unfair advantage-taking by the non-striker.
The non-striker run out or Mankad remains one of the most debated topics in cricket, often dividing opinions across the cricketing community. While it is entirely within the laws of the game, it can be perceived as unsporting, particularly if the bowler has not provided a prior warning. Regardless of how it’s viewed, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between legality and sportsmanship, a balance that cricketers, officials, and fans continue to navigate.
Ultimately, whether the Mankad is celebrated or criticized, it is an undeniable aspect of cricket’s rich tactical landscape, offering insight into the nuances of the game. As cricket evolves, this unique form of dismissal will continue to spark debates, but it will always remain part of the game’s dynamic strategies.
