‘That’s Not Fair’ – Should Afghanistan Have Reversed Their Run-Out Appeal Of Rohit Sharma?
Rohit Sharma was run out in contentious fashion during the first ODI against Afghanistan. Should the visitors have taken back their appeal? Graeme Swann thinks so.
Should Afghanistan have reversed their run-out appeal of Rohit Sharma?
Rohit Sharma dabbed the fourth delivery of the sixth over of India’s chase towards mid-on and bolted for a run. Shubman Gill, at the non-striker’s end, and bowler Allah Ghazanfar came into each other’s path, and the India captain immediately declined the run with an audible “no run”. Rohit, however, had already run halfway through the pitch and struggled to get back. Rashid Khan’s throw was collected cleanly by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who didn’t waste any time in dislodging the bails, as the veteran opener headed back.
Rohit was fuming after his dismissal, pointing angrily at Gill, who felt Ghazanfar had got in his way. Graeme Swann, on commentary duty, felt Afghanistan should have taken back their appeal.
He was heard saying: “Gill’s not happy with this as well. Someone’s got in his way here. Are they going to reverse their appeal? Certainly not, they’re going upstairs…” He later chipped in by saying the dismissal was “not fair”. But as replays showed, Ghazanfar was only running to collect the ball and did not deliberately try to get into Gill’s path.
As per clause 41.5 of ICC’s playing conditions, “it is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or obstruction is wilful or not.” Similarly, “if either umpire considers that a fielder has caused or attempted to cause such a distraction, deception or obstruction, he/she shall immediately call and signal dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.” But both on-field umpires didn’t feel there was a deliberate attempt to block the non-striker, and Rohit was thus given out.
Also read: Oldest ODI players for India, full list: Rohit Sharma breaks all-time record
Gill remained unbeaten on 84 off 66 as India chased down 195 in a rain-curtailed 25-over game in Dharamshala. Gurbaz’s rapid ton (102 off 51) had earlier taken the visitors to a fighting total in Dharamshala.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
