Controversy Resurfaces at Lord's as Beaumont's Obstructing the Field Appeal Recalls 2022 Deepti Sharma Run-Out

The return of India’s women’s team to Lord’s brought more than just cricketing action—it stirred echoes of controversy that have lingered since 2022, when Deepti Sharma famously ran out Charlie Dean backing up at the non-striker’s end. This time, it was Tammy Beaumont at the centre of a brief but tense moment during the second ODI between England and India.

England chased a revised target of 144 in 29 overs following rain delays, eventually winning the match to level the series 1-1. However, it was a peculiar appeal for “obstructing the field” against Beaumont that reignited memories of past drama.

Beaumont, who had raced to 25 off 17 balls, clipped a delivery from Deepti Sharma toward midwicket in the fifth over. Attempting a run before retreating, the ball deflected off her pad as Jemimah Rodrigues fired a return throw to the striker’s end. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh appealed, and umpires reviewed the incident for a possible obstruction.

Beaumont’s left foot was grounded inside her crease as she pivoted, and after a short review, she was given not out.

Smriti Mandhana, India’s stand-in captain, acknowledged the similarities to the infamous 2022 run-out but downplayed any deliberate connection. “You come to Lord’s and that question is not asked?” she smiled. “Only today, there was one random appeal for Tammy Beaumont... and again, Deepti was bowling. We cracked a small joke about it.”

Mandhana added, “Jemi definitely felt that maybe she kicked it or something. They referred it and it was not out. I’m sure they saw all the angles.”

England’s Amy Jones, who top-scored with an unbeaten 46, admitted to feeling unsettled as the incident unfolded. “It was weird,” she said. “The umpires were happy that Tammy was in her crease, so she wasn’t trying to not get run out... She had no intent of actually obstructing them.”

In another moment involving Deepti, she pulled out of her delivery stride during the next over with Beaumont at the non-striker’s end. Mandhana again dismissed any controversy. “She actually pulls out quite a lot... Maybe she wants to watch the batter or she has her own strategy.”

Beaumont eventually fell lbw to Sneh Rana for 34 off 35 balls, after a 54-run opening stand with Jones. Rain later reduced the match further, with England chasing a revised target of 115 from 24 overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt was dismissed shortly after the restart, but England held their nerve.

India added to the tension by reviewing a caught-behind appeal against Sophia Dunkley late in the game, despite Ghosh being heard on the stump mic saying, “there was no bat.” Replays confirmed no edge.

Jones again played a steadying role: “We tried not to get drawn into it. It’s part of the game. We acknowledged it when Dunks came out—I said, ‘it’s a bit annoying out here’.”

With the series finely poised at 1-1, the final ODI in Durham on Tuesday now holds significant weight—not just for the result, but for the rising narrative between these two sides at the home of cricket.