Australia had got the chance for the very first time to execute mankading in the ongoing World Cup 2023 game against Sri Lanka on Monday as pacer Mitchell Starc had the ball and he could have easily dislodged the stumps at the non-striker's end where Kushal Perera was stationed but then he did not do it. Starc gave a warning to the batter in the first instance and also informed the umpire.
Mankading has always triggered a lot of debate among fans and cricket pundits as to whether it comes under the sportsman spirit or not. Many believe that it is the right way to get out but then other believes a warning should be given. It looks like Starc belongs to the latter.
A few moments later, Starc took a pause from his run-up, pondering Perera was leaving the crease early this time too. However, the Sri Lankan batter did not leave early as the last time on the second occasion. Talking about the game, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first against Australia at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium. The Kangaroos have not won any of their games so far in the tournament while Sri Lanka have lost to South Africa and Pakistan.
Sri Lanka's newly made skipper Kusal Mendis said the wicket might see some turn in the second half and they would like to exploit it.
"We will bat first, the wicket is looking good and it might turn a bit in the second half. We have two changes. Dasun and Matheesha are not playing and Chamika and Lahiru Kumara are playing. Unfortunately, Dasun is not playing, really important match today. The par score might be 280-300, hopefully, we can manage that," he said.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins on the other hand said, "We probably would have batted as well but do not think it is too big a difference. The last two days we had training sessions and everyone is very clear on quite a few areas we need to sharpen up. We are playing the same team."