Joe Root's recent run of leg‑before‑wicket dismissals has sparked a lively discussion among cricket pundits and fans alike. During the rain‑affected third day of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, the England skipper fell prey to the LBW decision twice, raising his season tally to seven such dismissals and bringing his count to nine in the last twelve Test innings he has played. The pattern has prompted a deeper look at whether the modern game is exposing a subtle vulnerability in one of England's most accomplished batsmen. Michael Atherton, former England captain and now Sky Sports Cricket analyst, highlighted the paradox of a player with more than 160 Tests under his belt and a career average exceeding 50.
"It's fascinating that even a player of Root's calibre, arguably one of the finest England has ever produced, is now being examined for a developing weakness," Atherton observed. He added that the trend reflects broader changes in how Test cricket is being contested today. Historically, bowlers relied heavily on delivering the ball outside the off‑stump, aiming to tempt the batsman into an edge that could be caught by the slip cordon.
The classic approach emphasized moving the ball away from the bat, either through swing or seam, and then targeting the outside edge. However, Atherton noted a shift in recent seasons, particularly within England's own bowling attack. "What we've seen is a greater emphasis on the wobble‑seam delivery, where the ball is made to nip back into the batsman after pitching. This creates a different set of challenges for the batter, especially when combined with low bounce on certain pitches like Lord's." The rise in LBW and bowled dismissals this summer can be directly linked to this strategic evolution.
Opposing teams are now looking to exploit the narrow window of vulnerability that Root appears to have when the ball moves away before snapping back in. The combination of a slower, medium‑pace bowler and a keeper who stands up to the stumps further compounds the problem.
When a wicket‑keeper positions himself close to the stumps, the batsman has less time to react to a ball that deviates sharply, increasing the likelihood of an LBW decision. Root's most recent dismissal in the second innings came at the hands of Pakistani pacer Mohammad Ali.
Ali delivered a ball that angled away from the right‑hander before pitching sharply and beating the outside edge, ultimately striking the pad in line with the stumps. Nasser Hussain, another Sky Sports analyst, explained how this type of delivery can set up an LBW. "When the ball is moving away, the natural instinct is to protect the outside edge, which often means the batsman brings his front pad across.
If the bowler then follows up with a wobble‑seam that nips back, the batsman is left with just a few inches to cover, making an LBW almost inevitable." Hussain drew a parallel with the tactics used by former Australian bowler Terry Alderman against England great Graham Gooch. Alderman would bowl a series of outswingers to force Gooch into a defensive stance, then surprise him with a ball that cut back sharply. This forced a technical adjustment from Gooch, who had to abandon his natural back‑and‑across movement in favour of a more compact, straight‑line approach. "Root, at his best, plays a very straight‑line game – he moves back and forth in the crease, staying in line with the ball.
The current conditions, however, are pushing him to play across the line, which naturally increases his susceptibility to LBW decisions," Hussain explained. Low bounce on the Lord's turf also plays a part.
When the ball pitches lower than expected, it can rise quickly toward the stumps, making the LBW law more relevant. Bowlers are aware of this and are deliberately targeting a length that maximises the chance of hitting the pads in line. The combination of outswing, wobble‑seam, and low bounce creates a perfect storm for a technically sound batsman who is trying to adapt his game. Atherton summed up the dilemma: "If Root decides to eliminate the LBW threat by staying away from the line and opening his stance, he becomes more vulnerable to edges and catches.
It's a delicate balance, and that's what makes the game so captivating." The ongoing debate underscores how modern Test cricket is a chess match of evolving tactics, where even the most accomplished players must continually refine their techniques to stay ahead of sophisticated bowling strategies. For viewers interested in watching the remainder of the match, day four of England's second Test against Pakistan will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket starting at 10:15 am on Sunday.
Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest streaming deals or consider a contract‑free option to catch the action.