There was debate around the dismissal of Joe Root by Akash Deep during the second Test match between India and England. Deep’s back foot may have landed outside the return crease, according to replays, which led to no-ball claims.
Wisden explained that ICC regulations determine legality at the time of landing, which was inside the crease, despite BBC’s Alison Mitchell stating that the foot was “about two inches out.” Since there were no third-umpire checks for back-foot no-balls, the incident generated discussion on all platforms.
[REPORT] What Do the Rules Say?
According to the ICC’s rulebook, a back-foot no-ball happens when the bowler’s back foot lands outside the return crease. It’s judged at the moment of landing — not where the foot slides afterward.
After carefully reviewing the footage, experts concluded that Akash Deep’s foot landed inside the crease before sliding past it. Based on that, Joe Root’s dismissal was considered fair by the rules — but it was definitely a close call.
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The problem wasn’t just the delivery. It was the lack of review for back-foot no-balls, which made fans feel the decision might have gone unchecked.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] More Than Just a No-Ball Call
This wasn’t just about one delivery. The Joe Root dismissal showed how even small moments can create big drama in cricket. Akash Deep’s ball might have been legal, but it left a lot of people unsure — and that uncertainty is what’s being talked about the most.
Calls like this can shift a game’s direction, especially in tight matches. That’s why fans and experts alike are calling for clearer rules and better use of technology to avoid this kind of confusion in the future.
Amit Mishra’s Take
To avoid confusion like this in the future, the ICC might need to bring in tech to monitor back-foot no-balls, just like they do for front-foot ones. Cricket is evolving, and the tools should too.
For now, Akash Deep will remember that ball for the rest of his career, and Root might remember it as a moment that got away. Either way, the Joe Root dismissal will remain one of the most discussed moments of this Test series — and a reminder of how the smallest details can make the biggest impact.
