Deepti Sharma’s run out of Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end for backing up too far during India Women’s final ODI against England Women at Lord’s on Saturday has divided opinions, but Ravichandran Ashwin is clear about how such dismissals should be treated.

While some, mostly current and former England players, expressed their displeasure at Deepti’s act, Ashwin has said that such dismissals should be credited to the bowlers’ accounts as a reward for their “presence of mind”.

Ashwin, who has often objected to such dismissals being termed ‘Mankading’ (named after former India player Vinoo Mankad), also recommended a bravery award for the bowler. Responding to a tweet by English cricketer Sam Billings who asked pacer James Anderson, “Imagine how many more wickets you could get James,” Ashwin tweeted: “In fact that’s a great idea.How about awarding thatwicket to the bowler for “presence of mind” under immense pressure and of course knowing the social stigma that he/ she would have to deal with post doing it. How about a bravery award to go with it too.”

Recently, while modifying the playing conditions, the ICChad moved such dismissals from ‘unfair play’ to ‘run out’. The MCC on Sunday sought to put a lid on the controversy. “ M C C ’s message to non-strikers continues to be to remain in their ground until they have seen the ball leave the bowler’s hand. Then dismissals, such as the one seen yesterday, cannot happen. “Whilst yesterday was indeed an unusual end to an exciting match, it was properly officiated and should not be considered as anything more.”

(Written with inputs from PTI)