Deepti Sharma Runs Out Charlie Dean at Non-Striker's End

The 2022 ICC Women's Championship series between England Women and India Women was the context for one of cricket's most debated moments. By the time the teams met for the final ODI at Lord's on 24 September 2022, India had already won the series 2-0, but cricket history was about to be made.

Just months earlier, in October 2022, the ICC had formally moved the non-striker run-out from the 'unfair play' section (Law 41) to the standard 'run out' section (Law 38) of the Laws of Cricket. The intent was clear: ICC wanted to normalise the dismissal and end the decades-long debate about whether it was within the spirit of the game. But the debate about that spirit was not so easily resolved by a legislative change.

India Women had been playing outstanding cricket throughout the series. Deepti Sharma, India's all-rounder, was in fine form with bat and ball. What she would do at Lord's, however, would eclipse everything else from the series in the public consciousness.

England required 169 to win the final ODI and level a consolation victory. They were bowled out for 153 in a chase that went to the last wicket. At 153/9, England's Charlotte Dean — a tail-ender batting above herself — was putting together a remarkable partnership with Kate Cross, England's No. 11.

With 17 runs needed off 17 balls, England had an outside chance. The tension at Lord's was palpable. Charlotte Dean had already scored 47, contributing far more than her position in the order would suggest. Every delivery was a potential match-winner or match-ender.

Deepti Sharma, bowling from the Nursery End, noticed Dean backing up too far before the ball was released. In full view of the Lord's crowd, and with the match on the line, Deepti removed the bails at the non-striker's end before delivering the ball. Third umpire gave Dean out — run out. India won by 16 runs and completed a 3-0 series sweep.

In the third ODI at Lord's, England's Charlie Dean was batting brilliantly with a counter-attacking 47, threatening to pull off an unlikely England victory. With England at 153/9, Deepti Sharma noticed Dean backing up too far and removed the bails at the non-striker's end.

The dismissal gave India a 3-0 series sweep, but the manner of the final wicket overshadowed the result. MCC, the custodians of the Laws, immediately stated the dismissal was "legitimate." Crucially, this incident came after the ICC had already moved the law from "unfair play" to the "run out" section, normalizing it.

Dean was visibly upset and in tears. Some England players and commentators criticized the dismissal, though many Indian and neutral voices supported Deepti's right to enforce the law. Former England captain Nasser Hussain said the batsman was "cheating" by leaving the crease early.

The incident was significant because it was one of the first major instances after the 2022 rule change and helped shift public opinion towards accepting the dismissal as legitimate.

“It's in the rules. If you don't want to get out that way, stay in your crease.”

“Charlotte Dean was cheating by backing up too far. I have no sympathy — stay in your crease.”

“This is not cricket. You don't do this at Lord's. You don't do this anywhere.”

“The MCC changed the law. The ICC changed the law. If you are still backing up too far, you deserve to be run out.”

The reaction was immediate and fierce. English pundits, former players, and fans were outraged. Some called it a betrayal of the spirit of cricket. Charlotte Dean's visible distress attracted wide sympathy. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially accepted the dismissal but several English voices — including former captains and commentators — condemned the method.

MCC issued a statement within hours: "MCC's message to all cricketers is to be aware of this method of dismissal." Crucially, they did not condemn India — they placed the responsibility on batters to stay in their crease. Nasser Hussain, in a notable intervention, sided with India, saying Dean was "cheating" by leaving her crease early.