Archive · 12 Sep 2026
No-Ball Drama Gives Joe Root Lifeline in Birmingham
Joe Root seemed to be out after hitting the ball onto his own stumps.
Mohammad Ali and his teammates began celebrating.
However, the umpire checked the delivery again.
Replays showed that Ali’s front foot had crossed the line.
That meant the ball was a no-ball.
Because of this rule, Root was not out.
Root received another chance to bat.
Ali had also bowled no-balls earlier in the series.
Joe Root appeared to be dismissed when Mohammad Ali’s delivery struck his off stump.
Root had inside-edged the ball onto his stumps while attempting an aggressive drive.
Ali’s celebrations were cut short after replays showed his front foot had crossed the line.
The delivery was ruled a no-ball, making Root’s dismissal invalid and giving him a reprieve.
Ali had previously bowled no-balls during Pakistan’s series against England at Headingley and Lord’s.
- Who
- England captain Joe Root and Pakistan bowler Mohammad Ali were involved.
- What
- Root appeared to be bowled, but the dismissal was cancelled because Ali had overstepped.
- When
- During Pakistan’s series against England; the article does not specify the date or match number.
- Where
- The incident occurred in Birmingham; earlier no-balls by Ali occurred at Headingley and Lord’s.
- Why
- The dismissal was invalid because Ali’s front foot crossed the bowling crease before he delivered the ball.
- Batter
- Joe Root
- Bowler
- Mohammad Ali
- Dismissal attempt
- Root inside-edged the ball onto his off stump.
- Ruling
- The delivery was called a no-ball.
- Reason
- Ali’s front foot had crossed the line.
- Series context
- Ali had also bowled no-balls in the first Test at Headingley and the second Test at Lord’s.