Akash Deep celebrates after dismissing Joe Root.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Akash Deep, the architect of India's victory against England in the Edgbaston Test match has been subjected to criticsism by a section of cricket followers for what they feel called 'illegal' dismissal of Joe Root.
It may be recalled that India secured a historic Test win against England at the Edgbaston. While Shubman Gill's exceptional knock paved a way for India to set a mammoth target, Akash Deep ensured the team's victory by grabbing six wickets in the second innings to go with his four-wicket haul in the first innings.
But, Root's dismissal became a topic of discussion.
Though the dismissal seemed to be legitimate one, commentator Alison Mitchell pointed out that the delivery was, in fact, a back-foot no-ball.
Mitchell's comments which came after Root went back to the pavilion created a flutter.
"The delivery from Akash Deep - which we said was wide off the crease - his foot on the back crease is out. Looks like by about two inches. Maybe a little bit more. But comfortably," said Mitchell while commentating on the BBC's Test Match Special,
Mitchell further added, "So his back foot, which needs to land within the line, just taps about two inches over the line. Not picked up!"
Former Indian wicket-keeper and selector Saba Karim preferred to discuss the technical aspect of the dismissal.
"Akash Deep was talking about feeling cheated by the wicket as it was like an Indian wicket, but here he cheated Joe Root. When you are angling the ball in from wide of the crease, the batter is forced to think that the ball will come in only from that angle," he added.
According to MCC Law 21.5.1, the bowler's back foot must land within the return crease lines, and not touch it, for the delivery to be fair. Also known as the back-foot no-ball rule, the delivery is considered just when the rule is upheld and the bowler's foot lands behind the popping crease.
However, former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was also commentating on the match, called the delivery fair as Akash's foot did land in the return crease.