Stokes calls out Bhogle over ‘colonial’ Mankad

ENGLAND’S Test captain Ben Stokes (right) was involved in a verbal duel with Indian commentator and cricket expert Harsha Bhogle over Charlie Dean’s ‘Mankad’ dismissal last month.

India bowler Deepti Sharma ran out England’s Dean for the final wicket to win the final ODI at Lord’s after the non-striker had stepped out of her crease.

The dismissal is legal, and after a rule shift since last Saturday (1), it is now categorised as a run-out.

Bhogle’s tweet supporting Sharma and pointing out the colonial aspect of the controversy irked Stokes. “Harsha … bringing culture into peoples opinion over a Mankad?,” the English star tweeted.

“Is this a culture thing?? ….absolutely not, I receive messages regarding the overthrows from people all over world, as people all over the world have made comment’s on the Mankad dismissal, not just people who are English.”

Stokes was responding to a post by Bhogle, which said: “It is a cultural thing. The English thought it was wrong to do so & because they ruled over a large part of the cricket world, they told everyone it was wrong. The colonial domination was so powerful that few questioned it. As a result,the mindset still is that what England.”

In another tweet, Bhogle said that he remains disturbed by the vitriol directed towards Sharma.

“Stop believing that the world must move at their bidding. As in society, where judges implement the law of the land, so too in cricket.

But I remain disturbed by the vitriol directed towards Deepti. She played by the laws of the game and criticism of what she did must stop.”

In response, Stokes told Bhogle he still receives messages from Indian fans ‘calling him all sorts’ for the way England won the 2019 ODI World Cup final.

“Harsha .. 2019 WC final was over 2 years ago, I still till this day revive countless messages calling me all sorts from Indian fans, does this disturb you?,” he asked.

Bhogle was quick to respond to Stokes’ message. “Well, you were not at fault on that one so with you there. On the reaction in England to the non-striker backing up, I think it is what you are told when you learn the game and so, part of culture. Very happy to chat about it one day if you have a moment. Cheers,” Bhogle tweeted.

Several English players have criticised the dismissal, but Sharma said they had warned Dean before effecting the dismissal.

Earlier, India captain Harmanpreet Singh has praised Sharma for showing match “awareness”.