WI vs AUS: Kieron Pollard gives Matthew Wade ‘Mankading’ warning during 3rd ODI

After suffering a humiliating 4-1 loss in the T20I series, Australia bounced back in the ODI leg and defeated West Indies 2-1. With the series poised at 1-1 after the first two games, the third and final ODI was a decider. The Men in Yellow put up an emphatic show in the high-stake game and walked away with a comfortable six-wicket triumph.

One of Australia’s standout performers in the match was Matthew Wade. Chasing 153 for victory, the southpaw came in at number five with the scorecard reading 65/3. The track had some assistance for the bowlers and the likes of Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph were looking lethal. However, Wade paced his knock to perfection and slammed an unbeaten half-century to take his side over the line in 30.3 overs.

However, Wade’s stay at the crease would have been shortened had Kieron Pollard decided to run him out at the non-striker’s end before delivering the ball. For the unversed, the West Indies skipper, who generally bowls medium pace, turned into an off-spinner on this occasion. During one of the overs, he had the opportunity to dismiss Wade by dislodging the stumps at the bowler’s end. However, he instead decided to leave the Aussie with a warning.

Kieron Pollard’s act not that kind?

Now, running out the non-striker, also known as Mankading, is a perfectly legal form of dismissal. Yet, many bowlers opt not to use this way of getting a wicket. Pollard seems to be belonging to the latter category as he gave Wade a lifeline. However, the replay suggests a slightly different story.

Very kind of Pollard lol pic.twitter.com/KbfsME2ZCS

— Izz #408 (@Pacebouncy) July 26, 2021

It seemed like Pollard intentionally waited for the southpaw to leave the crease by delaying the release of the ball. Although he didn’t take the bails off, his act has been questioned by many.

Earlier in the game, West Indies, after winning the toss, put up a horrendous batting show and got bundled out for 152 runs. Mitchell Starc took three wickets with his thunderbolts while Josh Hazlewood also got a couple of scalps. In reply, Australia didn’t break a sweat and crossed the line with 19.3 overs to spare.