The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has commented on the controversy about Joe Root being dismissed during the second Test against India at Edgbaston. The dismissal divided opinion among fans and analysts, many of whom thought that the delivery from India pacer Akash Deep had been a no-ball. Observers pointed out that Deep’s back foot appeared to touch the return crease while delivering the ball that clean bowled Root.

However, the MCC has now clarified that the delivery was legal and upheld the on-field and third umpire’s decision. In a statement, the MCC said, “On Day four of India's Test against England last week, there were questions raised about the delivery from Akash Deep, which bowled Joe Root, with some fans and commentators believing it to be a no-ball. While Deep landed unusually wide on the crease, and some of his back foot appeared to touch the ground outside the return crease, the third umpire did not call a no ball. MCC is happy to clarify that this was a correct decision in Law.”

The MCC explained the specifics of the law concerning back-foot no-balls. “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,” the statement added. “MCC has always defined the moment that the back foot lands as the first point of contact with the ground. As soon as there is any part of the foot touching the ground, that foot has landed, and it is the foot's position at that time that is to be considered for a back foot no-ball."

Akash Deep's Dream Spell Ends Edgbaston Drought

The incident came during a historic match for India, as the team broke a 58-year winless streak at Edgbaston, leveling the five-Test series 1–1 with a thumping 336-run victory. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, it was debutant Akash Deep who took center stage with a total of 10 wickets in the Test match.

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The 28-year-old fast bowler from Sasaram, Bihar, also recorded his first five-wicket haul, including 6/99 in England's second innings while England were bowled out for 271, chasing an asking target of 608. His performance received major acclaim and was crucial to India's emphatic victory.