'Worse Than Mankading': Controversial stumping by Ben Foakes divides cricket world, video goes viral

England defeated Ireland on Friday after wicketkeeper Ben Foakes settled a middle-order collapse to chase down 199 for a four-wicket victory. However, the match was not without its controversy when Foakes removed Ireland batsman Balbirnie with a controversial stumping which some claimed was "worse than a mankad". 

Now, Ben Foakes’ stumping of Ireland batsman Andy Balbirnie has divided the cricket with some claiming the wicket was outside the spirit of the game.

At 5-110, Balbirnie attempted to sweet a wide leg spinner off Joe Denley. Foakes collected the wide delivery and gestured towards the bails before pausing. After a moments hesitation, Balbirnie lifted his back foot and Foakes removed the bails. After a lengthy review, Balbirnie was deemed to have lifted his rear foot and was given out. But the wicket divided the cricket world with many claiming the delayed stumping was not in the spirit of the game.

Here is a clip of the stumping:

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While many hailed Ben Foakes for being clever, others were not as pleased with the England player. Even renowned commentator Alan Wilkins called the stumping against the "Spirit of Cricket".