Root wants clarity on Mankad dismissal

England batsman Joe Root wants the Mankad rule to be further clarified ahead of this year's World Cup.

The controversial dismissal was once again brought to prominence last week when India spinner Ravi Ashwin successfully appealed for a Mankad run out of Englishman Jos Buttler during an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals.

Opinions were divided on whether Buttler should have been given out, with the upholder of cricket's on-field laws – the Marylebone Cricket Club – declaring the dismissal contrary to the spirit of the game.

Root said there needed to be further clarity about the dismissal ahead of the showpiece 50-over tournament to be held in England and Wales this northern summer. 

"I think you know some people might be looking to do that now," England's Test captain said at an open media session with his county, Yorkshire.

"Umpires being really clear on what is out and what is not out is going to be crucial.

"Making sure everyone is on the same page with it so that there's no inconsistencies is going to be really important and having the clarity there for everyone playing the game."

Root said the fact the Mankad happened months before the start of the World Cup might actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

"I know it's not a straightforward rule, but as much as possible, there's a way of working out what is out and what is not," he said.

"I think it's a good warning now and I'm glad it's not happened to us in the World Cup final, for example, or a World Cup game."

Root remains hopeful that he won't have to play a part in a Mankad dismissal during the remainder of his career.

"It's not something that I'd like to be involved in, I wasn't too impressed personally," Root said. 

"But it's within the Laws of the game, as a lot of people have said, and one Jos has to take on the chin unfortunately."

Root will play a major part in England's quest for a first World Cup title when they open the tournament against South Africa at The Oval in London on May 30.

Australia's World Cup fixtures

May 25: (warm-up) England v Australia, Southampton

May 27: (warm-up) Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton

June 1: Afghanistan v Australia, Bristol (D/N)

June 6: Australia v West Indies, Trent Bridge

June 9: India v Australia, The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE