In response to the dispute surrounding the bowler's back foot posture, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has formally stated that Akash Deep's delivery that removed Joe Root during the most recent Edgbaston Test was lawful.

In the second Test match between England and India, Akash Deep bowled Root with an incoming delivery during the second delivery of the tenth over, resulting in the dismissal. The wicket was vital as England chased a goal of 608 runs and was reduced to 50/3.

Discussions about whether Deep's back foot should have been labeled a no-ball arose after television footage appeared to show it perhaps reaching the return crease.  

During a JioStar studio discussion, former England batter Jonathan Trott was among the analysts who questioned the legality of the delivery. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was commenting at the time, maintained that the delivery was legal.

On-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Sharfuddoula Saikat permitted the dismissal to stand, while third umpire Paul Reiffel did not stop the delivery.

Now, the MCC spokesperson has explained how Akash Deep’s delivery to dismiss Joe Root was completely legal, and hence the dismissal was lawful.

"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,” Cricbuzz quoted MCC spokesperson.

The MCC referenced Law 21.5.1, which states: "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.”

Further clarifying the interpretation, the MCC explained: "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 which is to be considered for a back foot no ball."

"Clearly, at the point, Deep's foot first touched the ground, the back foot was within and not touching the return crease. Some of his foot may have touched the ground outside the crease subsequently - that is not relevant to this Law. At the point of landing, he was within the crease, and this was therefore rightly deemed to be a legal delivery,” MCC concluded its explanation.

England was bowled out for 271 runs, losing to India by 336 runs. The Shubman Gill-led side leveled the 5-Test series 1-1, with the third Test to begin on July 10 at Lord’s.