Spin star Adam Zampa hasn’t ruled out attempting another Mankad dismissal in Saturday night‘s BBL derby rematch adamant his failed attempt at the MCG started a movement towards destigmatising the legal mode of dismissal.
The Melbourne Stars captain even declared he had the action “down pat” after a failed attempt to run out Tom Rogers in the last clash with the Melbourne Renegades which was met with boos on the night before a volley of support from the game’s administrators.
Cricket NSW was one organisation which declared it was time to remove the stigma around the “Mankad” – where a bowler runs out a batter who leaves his crease too early – with Test captain Pat Cummins also giving his players the green light.
Zampa said he could be on the end of some niggle in from the Renegades players, including Rogers who said he would never run out someone like that.
But overall Zampa, who failed to effect the run-out for going through his bowling action too far, said he felt positive about the discussion his action started and wouldn’t be scared to try it again.
“There’s been a pretty good response to it to be honest,” he said on Friday.
“I copped it for a day or so, but every since then people are starting to come around to the fact it’s actually in the rules, which it is, in the laws of the game.
“You might see it again tomorrow night. I’ve been practicing it. I’ve got it down pat now.”
Zampa has been living with Renegades fast bowler Kane Richardson at a Melbourne hotel during the Big Bash who said they talked through it “over a beer”.
But while they have moved on from any lingering tension., Richardson couldn’t speak for his teammates.
“We addressed it pretty quickly that night over a beer and I just said “what were you doing?”,” he said.
“He was a bit sheepish, but since then they have played, won last night, they are paying well.
“Maybe for a few who haven’t spoken to Zamps since there will be some words said, but basically it’s a game of cricket.
“It would be nice if there was some more controversy as it makes the rivalry that much better. Who knows what’s going to happen.”
The Stars have to keep winning to be any chance of making the BBL finals while the Renegades, who are fifth on the table, need a victory to stay in finals calculations with games running out.