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Melbourne Stars skipper Adam Zampa has received the backing of West Indies great Brian Lara after the legspinner sparked furious debate with his attempted ‘Mankad’ dismissal against the Renegades.
Zampa, who was bowling his fourth over, courted controversy at the MCG on Tuesday night when he attempted to run out Tom Rogers as he backed up at the non-striker’s end in the final over of the Renegades’ innings.
The method of dismissal, commonly known as a ‘Mankad’, is within the laws of the game, but is considered by many to be against the spirit of the game.
On Wednesday night, Zampa was asked if he would do anything differently if a similar situation arose in future.
“Potentially, (but) I don’t regret doing it,” Zampa told Fox Cricket.
(Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
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“I guess I’m a ‘Mankadder’ now. I have a (small) regret of maybe putting my finger up as soon as I did it and giving it out straight away.
“I don’t know what the answer is with the Mankad … I made the decision at the time because I felt like Tom Rogers was gaining an advantage the ball before.
“Would I do it differently? I don’t know … I’m a really competitive guy.”
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Lara and Zampa were part of the commentary team that called the Perth Scorchers-Sydney Thunder game at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night.
The revered West Indies champion applauded the actions of his colleague in fighting back against batters who try to gain an advantage by leaving their crease early.
Drama in the BBL!
Adam Zampa has attempted to run Tom Rogers out at the non-striker's end but the umpires have adjudged Rogers to be NOT OUT.pic.twitter.com/3r1UyD1aXn
“As a batter, I honestly don’t think that I’ve ever stepped out of my crease unless I see the ball travelling out of the bowler’s hand,” Lara said.
“You just need to see a yard of the delivery coming out and then you can leave your crease.
“You’re telling the bowler that if he goes across the line by a centimetre that’s illegal … but you’re allowed to go down the track three or four yards and take that advantage?
“I say, ‘Adam, run him out’ that’s what I think. It’s got to be stamped out of the game, these players have to understand that they’ve got to stay in their crease.”
