Categories: Cricket

Akashdeep Root Dismissal: MCC Confirms Legality, No No-Ball

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), trustee of the laws of cricket, has formally expressed its opinion on the widely debated incident of Akashdeep getting Joe Root out during the second Test at Edgbaston. After many speculations regarding the legality of the delivery, MCC laid it to rest by stating that it was wholly within the ambit of the rules.

The Dismissal That Sparked Debate

On the fourth day of the Edgbaston Test, Joe Root was bowled by Akashdeep with a sharp delivery in England’s 10th over. The clean dismissal notwithstanding, television replays indicated that his back foot had landed beyond the crease, fueling speculation that the delivery might have been a back-foot no-ball.

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This triggered a flurry of comments on social and mainstream media. Some, such as former England batsman Jonathan Trott, opined on JioStar that the delivery was illegal. But there were others like Ravi Shastri who were adamant that the ball was fair.

Significantly, third umpire Paul Reiffel did not take action, and on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Sharfuddoula Saikat allowed the wicket to stay.

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MCC Quotes Law 21.5.1: “First Contact Determines Legality”

In response to the controversy, an MCC spokesperson gave the following statement:

“The controversy during day four of India’s Test match against England last week stemmed from the delivery from Akashdeep Singh that dismissed Joe Root with some commentators and supporters perceiving the deliver as a no-ball.”

The MCC referred to Law 21.5.1, which specifies the legality of the delivery stride quite clearly:

For a delivery to be fair about the feet, the back foot of the bowler has to come down inside and not touch the return crease relating to their declared method of delivery.

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The rule focuses on the first touch to the ground. If, on the front foot first touches the ground within the crease (even if it then moves outside), it will be a legal delivery. In that case, Akashdeep had the front foot first touch inside the return crease; therefore, he was complying with the rule.

Important Clarification from MCC

The back foot’s position at first contact is what decides.

Even if a portion of the foot has touched the ground outside the return crease on landing, it does not render the delivery illegal.

Akashdeep’s foot was inside the return crease when it initially touched, so the ball is legal.

MCC further said:

“Somewhat of his foot might have landed outside the crease afterward, that is irrelevant to this Law. At the time of landing, he was inside the crease.

Pivotal Moment in Indian Win

Joe Root’s dismissal was the turning point. England, in pursuit of a record 608, was left at 50 for 3 upon his fall. The hosts finished Day 4 at 72 for 3 and went on to collapse for 271 on the last day. India won by a comprehensive 336 runs, taking the five-match series 1-1.

MCC Verdict Seals Akashdeep Singh No-Ball Controversy

With MCC’s official explanation now out, any question regarding Akashdeep’s delivery to Joe Root has been firmly laid to rest. The delivery was not a no-ball, and the non-call as such was legally correct.

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Arshit Shane

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