The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the recognized authority on cricket laws, has officially weighed in on the controversial delivery by Indian pacer Akash Deep that dismissed England captain Joe Root in the recent Edgbaston Test. The verdict? The delivery was completely legal, putting an end to the widespread debate that had erupted.

Akash Deep's delivery, which clean bowled Root, became a subject of intense discussion after replays suggested that his back foot might have landed outside the return crease, typically resulting in a no-ball. This sparked a flurry of opinions from commentators, former players, and fans, with many arguing that the dismissal was illegitimate.

The heart of the debate revolved around Law 21.5.1, which governs the legality of a bowler's delivery stride. According to the MCC, a fair delivery requires the bowler's back foot to "land within and not touching the return crease". The confusion arose because, while Akash Deep's foot appeared to either hover over or touch outside the return crease upon landing, the determining factor is the point of initial contact with the ground.

The MCC clarified its stance, stating that they have "always defined the moment that the back foot lands as the first point of contact with the ground". Therefore, even if the foot subsequently slides or touches outside the crease, the delivery remains legal if the initial point of contact is within the crease. In Akash Deep's case, his foot made first contact inside the crease, thus validating the delivery.

An MCC spokesperson stated that questions were raised about Akash Deep's delivery to Joe Root, with fans and commentators believing it to be a no-ball. The spokesperson added that 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. The MCC is happy to clarify that this was a correct decision in Law.

During the live broadcast, opinions were divided. While former India coach Ravi Shastri confidently asserted the delivery's legality, some English commentators and ex-players, such as Jonathan Trott, expressed their doubts. However, the on-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Sharfuddoula Saikat, and third umpire Paul Reiffel, did not intervene, allowing the wicket to stand.

The MCC's final verdict clarifies the correct application of Law 21.5.1 and confirms that the umpires made the right call. The dismissal of Root was a crucial moment in the Edgbaston Test, as it reduced England to 50 for 3 while chasing a target of 608. India eventually won the match by 336 runs, leveling the series.

This incident highlights the importance of understanding the nuances within the Laws of Cricket and how they are applied in real-match situations. While visual interpretations can be misleading, the MCC's clarification provides a definitive answer and reinforces the significance of the first point of contact in determining the legality of a delivery.