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Watch: ‘Spirit of cricket’ debate rekindled after Indian batter walks despite umpire’s ‘not out’ in women’s Test

by Wisden Staff October 1, 2021 - 11:31am 2 minute read

Watch: India batter Punam Raut’s dismissal became the centre of widespread debate during the ongoing Australia-India Women’s pink-ball Test, when she decided to walk off after a caught-behind appeal, despite the umpire adjudicating it ‘not out’.

The incident took place during the second day of the one-off Test in Carrara, in the 81st over of India’s innings. Raut, India’s No.3, tried to prod at a Sophie Molineux delivery outside off that turned and bounced away from her. As the ball whizzed past the bat and was caught by Alyssa Healy, the Australia fielders went up in half-hearted appeal, led mostly by the bowler.

The on-field umpire, Phillip Gillespie, was unmoved at the caught-behind appeal, but Raut immediately started walking, looking first in the umpire’s direction and then continuing her journey back, much to the amazement of the fielders and the commentators.

It’s worth noting that there’s no DRS in place for this Test.

The incident came just two days after the ‘extra run’ controversy in the IPL, after which India men’s cricketer R Ashwin posted an elaborate statement, speaking around the entire ‘spirit of cricket’ conversation.

Raut’s decision to walk back was met with mixed responses. Some felt it was the right thing to do, lauding her for the act.

Wow! Fair play to Punam Raut. This was her only opportunity on the tour and she walks. Not sure how many other players would have made that decision with their place hanging in the balance… #AUSvIND #Respect #PinkBallTest pic.twitter.com/wQxsXtakYB

— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) October 1, 2021

Kudos to Punam Raut. Will be divisive no doubt. But if you are a walker, you walk all the time. Not just when it’s easy or when you think there’s no chance you can get away with it. Won’t make everyone happy but Raut should sleep easy after sticking to what she values. #AUSvIND https://t.co/jxGgkwdV07

— Frances Mackay (@FrankieMac71) October 1, 2021

Punam Raut show what is spirit of cricket is all about. Even Australian players not appeal in full confidence,I think appeal is only for making pressure on umpire. We Indian play with full honesty,even if we loose, it doesn't matter. Salute to @raut_punam.#AUSvIND #PinkBallTest pic.twitter.com/YhLCvPkyf5

— Arjit Gupta (@guptarjit) October 1, 2021

Others felt it wasn’t a smart call, given how it could affect the balance of the game.

A well set batter, new ball about to be taken, possibly having to bat under lights… not sure Punam Raut should be walking, for her team's cause. But hey, to each their own. #AUSvIND

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) October 1, 2021

I didn't get why Punam Raut walked. Not too strong/convincing an appeal from Sophie Molineux. The ump said no. There's no DRS anyway. Wasn't as if there was a massive deflection either.

Beth Mooney on air: Nah, no chance (i would've walked)!

Says it all. #AUSvIND #PinkBallTest

— S. Sudarshanan (@Sudarshanan7) October 1, 2021

Sorry, hard disagree. She got a life, as far as I'm concerned. And she decided to walk off and leave her team with a new batter to face a new ball. That's a brain fade.

— Snehal Pradhan #MaskUp (@SnehalPradhan) October 1, 2021

There is a very good chance that the Indian team can collapse under lights against the 2nd new ball!

No this isn't about Punam Raut's values. Cricket is a team game. No individual has the right to jeopardize a team win at the altar of their individual milestones or ethics.

— Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (@wildcardgyan) October 1, 2021