Deepti Sparks Deja Vu at Lord’s in Renewed Obstructing Drama
Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s yet again — the Indian all-rounder was at the center of another unusual incident at the iconic venue during the second ODI between India Women and England Women. Nearly three years after her infamous run-out of Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end stirred the cricketing world, Deepti was once again involved in a rare appeal — this time for obstructing the field — against England opener Tammy Beaumont. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
The incident rekindled memories of that dramatic 2022 ODI and confirmed Lord’s place as a recurring theatre of controversy in India-England women’s cricketing rivalry. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
🎬 Another Controversy at the Home of Cricket
📍 Setting the Scene
Lord’s, the very ground that saw India narrowly lose the 2017 Women’s World Cup final and bid farewell to Jhulan Goswami in 2022, once again became a focal point for drama. Saturday’s 29-over contest, already affected by rain, saw England chase a modest 143-run target set by India. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
It was in the fifth over of England’s innings when things took a familiar turn.
⚠️ Obstructing the Field? Deepti in the Spotlight Again
Tammy Beaumont, batting confidently on 25, flicked a delivery from Deepti Sharma towards midwicket. Jemimah Rodrigues, stationed at the position, charged in and fired a throw towards wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. Beaumont, who had turned back from a non-existent run, had her left foot in the crease, but as she stepped with her right foot, the throw deflected off it. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
Ghosh appealed immediately, and Rodrigues joined in. The umpires conferred and sent the decision upstairs. After an extended review, third umpire Jacqueline Williams ruled that Beaumont had not deliberately obstructed the field, and the appeal was turned down. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
😅 Indian Team Reacts with Humor
The moment triggered light-hearted exchanges in the Indian camp. As it happened, Deepti Sharma — once again the bowler involved — became the center of jokes among her teammates. A team huddle followed, with a few chuckles exchanged over Deepti’s recurring Lord’s “dramas.” Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
🎙️ Smriti Mandhana on the Incident
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, speaking after the match, said:
“We cracked a joke that Lords and Deepti have a… I don’t know how to term it, but something definitely. We joked about it in the huddle.” Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
She made it clear that while the team remembered the 2022 incident, it wasn’t discussed in preparation:
“That was not our focus at all. We came here to play good cricket.”
Mandhana admitted she wasn’t well-positioned to judge the Beaumont incident herself:
“From mid-on, I really didn’t have a clear view. Richa and Jemi felt there was something. But the umpires saw all angles and made the call.” Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
🤔 Deepti Pulls Out of Her Delivery — Intentional Warning?
Immediately after the obstructing-the-field appeal, Deepti pulled out of her delivery stride in the next over, prompting Beaumont to mutter, “Not again.” While some thought it was a soft warning for backing up, Mandhana clarified this was typical of Deepti’s bowling rhythm. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
“She actually pulls out quite a lot. It’s more about watching the batter. Not strategy-related.”
🧠 What the Laws Say
According to Law 37.1 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, a batter can be given out obstructing the field if they willfully attempt to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. However, accidental contact or movements made in the act of returning to the crease are not considered offenses — which is what Beaumont’s act was ruled to be. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
🗣️ England’s Perspective
After the match, Amy Jones, Beaumont’s opening partner who finished unbeaten on 46, backed her teammate.
“It was weird. Tammy didn’t even know she could be out. She wasn’t trying to avoid a run out. She was just turning back.” Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
Jones echoed the umpire’s judgment that Beaumont had no intent to obstruct.
🧩 Context: The 2022 Charlie Dean Incident
In September 2022, also at Lord’s, Deepti Sharma ran out Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end after she had backed up too far. Though legal under ICC playing conditions, it sparked massive debate over the spirit of the game and drew polarized reactions across the cricketing world. That match, which was Goswami’s farewell, became overshadowed by the run-out. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
Saturday’s incident wasn’t nearly as controversial, but it did reignite memories of that day.
🔁 Lord’s – The Theater of Indian Women’s Cricket Drama
This marks the third major India-England women’s match at Lord’s that’s made headlines for reasons beyond just cricket: Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
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2017 World Cup Final – India fell just nine runs short of history.
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2022 ODI – Goswami’s farewell overshadowed by Deepti’s run-out.
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2025 2nd ODI – Another appeal involving Deepti and a controversial law.
Each event has added a new layer to India’s complex and evolving relationship with the iconic ground.
🔚 Conclusion
While the appeal didn’t change the outcome — England comfortably chased the target to level the series — the moment reinforced Deepti Sharma’s knack for being at the center of rulebook controversies. The Lord’s chapter of this cricketing rivalry continues to build a narrative rich in emotion, drama, and nuance.
India and England will now head into the final ODI with the series on the line. But once again, the spotlight briefly shifted from bat and ball to the rule book, with Deepti Sharma playing a familiar role in an increasingly familiar setting. Deepti sparks deja vu at Lord’s
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