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MCC Confirms Akash Deep’s Delivery to Joe Root Was Legal, Clears Air Over Back Foot No-Ball Controversy
MCC Clarifies Back Foot No-Ball Law After Uproar in Edgbaston Test
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the ultimate custodian of cricket laws, has broken its silence over the controversial dismissal of Joe Root by Indian pacer Akash Deep during the second Test at Edgbaston, asserting that the delivery was indeed legal under Law 21.5.1 of the game’s rulebook.
What Sparked the Controversy?
A Stunning Delivery Met With Questions
On Day 4 of the recently concluded India vs England Edgbaston Test, Akash Deep bowled a peach of a delivery that shattered Joe Root’s stumps, leaving the English stalwart clueless. The wicket was a significant blow to England, who were chasing an improbable 608 for victory. However, moments after the dismissal, replays showed that Deep’s back foot landed unusually wide, prompting debates over whether it had touched or crossed the return crease—an infringement that could amount to a back foot no-ball.
Commentators and fans alike expressed doubt, with Jonathan Trott suggesting on JioStar that it was a no-ball, while others like Ravi Shastri, who was on-air during the dismissal, strongly maintained that the delivery was fair. The third umpire, Paul Reiffel, did not intervene, and the on-field decision by Chris Gaffaney and Sharfuddoula Saikat stood.
MCC Issues Law-Based Clarification
First Contact With Ground Is Key
In a move to settle the debate, the MCC issued a detailed statement clarifying the interpretation of Law 21.5.1, which governs the legality of a bowler’s foot placement during the delivery stride.
“MCC has always defined the moment the back foot lands as the first point of contact with the ground,” an MCC spokesperson said.
“At the point Akash Deep’s foot first touched the ground, it was within and not touching the return crease. What happens afterward—if the foot slides or drags outside—is irrelevant under the current law.”
The MCC further quoted the law verbatim:
Law 21.5.1 – “For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery.”
This clarification supports the decision of the third umpire not calling a no-ball, officially endorsing Akash Deep’s delivery as legal and putting the controversy to rest.
Read Also: Wiaan Mulder’s 367* Powers South Africa to Commanding Lead
India’s Breakthrough Moment in the Test
Root’s wicket proved to be a crucial turning point. At the time, England were reeling at 50/3, and the psychological blow of losing their most experienced batter added pressure. They ended the day on 72/3, still far from safety.
On the final day, the hosts collapsed for 271, handing India a thumping 336-run win. The result not only leveled the five-match series 1-1 but also sparked discussions over India’s rising pace battery, with Akash Deep’s fiery spells becoming a hot topic.
The Law Behind the Line: Explained
Understanding the Back Foot No-Ball Rule
In layman’s terms, a back foot no-ball is called when a bowler’s back foot lands outside or on the return crease. However, MCC’s interpretation gives precedence to where the foot first lands, not where it ends up after sliding or turning.
This nuanced understanding now sets a clear precedent for future reviews and ensures consistency in umpiring decisions across formats.
For the full legal explanation and official statement, visit the MCC Laws of Cricket page.
