'Absolutely pathetic': Test bowler's divisive act stuns cricket world

England bowler Craig Overton has reignited controversy around cricket's 'Mankad' dismissal in the County Championship.

The Test seamer was in action for Somerset against Warwickshire on Monday and cut a frustrated figure as he failed to pick up a wicket.

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Overton finished the day with figures of 0-57 and let his temper boil over in the final session.

Overton attempted to run out Matthew Lamb at the non-striker's end after pulling off a 'Manked' while running in to bowl.

Overton attempted to take off the bails before delivering the ball in the hope of catching Lamb leaving his crease early.

The method of dismissal is legal under ICC laws but widely despised in the cricket world.

According to reports, Overton had previously warned Lamb that he was creeping out of his ground.

The on-field umpire asked Somerset captain Tom Abell if he wanted to proceed with the appeal, but Abell declined and Lamb was spared.

Overton was booed by those in attendance, while others slammed him on social media.

Cricket world divided over controversial 'Mankad'

The 'Mankad' was thrust back into the spotlight recently when Cameroon bowler Maeva Douma affected four in a T20 Women's World Cup qualifier.

With Uganda cruising at 1-153, Douma decided to mix things up and pulled out the controversial tactic.

However the teen bowler sparked condemnation because she didn't warn any of the batsmen and appeared to deceive them into thinking she had bowled the ball.

The dismissal has divided players and fans over the years with many in the cricket community arguing it is against the spirit of the game.

Australian legend Ricky Ponting was coach of the Dehli Capitals when he told his players in no uncertain terms that he is not a fan of the dismissal at last year's IPL.

Mitchell Starc was also praised during an ODI against England last year when he opted not to dismiss Adil Rashid when he left his crease.

The issue has become increasingly divisive as cricket has heavily leaned towards a batsman's game over the last decade.

Coined over 70 years ago, the term 'Mankad' comes from Indian great Vinoo Mankad, who twice ran out Bill Brown at the non-striker’s end in Australia in 1947.

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