Akashdeep no-ball Controversy: "A correct decision in law," clarifies MCC

Sports News: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has silenced all the critics of Akash Deep's delivery that dismissed Joe Root. The England-based lawmakers of the sport said that despite the commentators and fans thinking it was an illegal delivery, it was well within the guidelines. It happened on the fourth day of the second test at Edgbaston, when Akash bowled a beauty to the former English captain. He went wide off the crease and created an angle towards Root's middle stump. The batter had the line covered until the ball nipped and clipped the top of the off-stump.

MCC's Clarification

The commentators argued that Akash's back foot had touched the return crease, but the MCC clarified that it was a 'legal' delivery. 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," the MCC said in a statement. “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."

Why was it not given a no-ball?

The MCC's laws clearly state that the first impression of the bowler's back foot is taken into consideration. Supporting their decision, MCC said, “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. 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's memorable 10-wicket haul

The right-arm pacer replaced Jasprit Bumrah for the Edgbaston test and did not disappoint. He scalped four wickets in the first innings, followed by a six-fer in the second, to become the Indian bowler with the best figures (10-187) in England. He played a huge role in India's historic win. Akash dedicated his performance to his brave sister, who is currently battling cancer.