Drama unfolded in the middle on the fifth day of the last Ashes Test at London. With Australia chasing 384 runs, every single wicket is important for England. Ben Stokes had a golden chance to dismiss a set Steve Smith but faltered, possibly costing England the game.
Ben Stokes drops Steve Smith catch, triggers debate
The incident occurred just a few deliveries before lunch on Day 5. Steve Smith, who was facing Moeen Ali in the 65th over, sent the first ball to the slips after the ball bounced off the pitch, edged past his glove and soared to the slips. Ben Stokes, who was in position at the slips, dropped the catch in an astonishing fashion.
Steve Smith was seen attempting to play the delivery on a front-foot defence. The ball brushes past Steve Smith’s gloves and goes on to the slips where Ben Stokes takes a stunning one-handed catch. However, Ben Stokes was unable to hold on to the catch, thus giving Steve Smith a lucky escape.
The England skipper was seen appealing initially along with other players. However, as the umpire refused to judge the delivery as out, lunch was called and players were seen walking off the field. Ben Stokes, James Anderson and others were seen animatedly discussing the decision with the umpires as they walked off the field.
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Ben Stokes’ dropped catch triggers debate
Shortly after Steve Smith was dropped by Ben Stokes, a heated debate over the decision erupted on social media. While England shared the video of the incident asking fans if it was out or not out, the fans were left divided in their opinion. While some blamed England for ‘cheating’, others came out in support of Ben Stokes.
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Ashes 2023: ENG vs AUS 5th Test
Australia are on the cusp of history, as skipper Pat Cummins looks to become the first captain to win an away Ashes in 22 years. Rain brought an early end to the proceedings on Day 4 of the 5th Ashes Test. Day 5 began with the openers starting off the proceedings but lost three wickets in the first session of the day’s play.
As the game was set to resume after lunch, it was stopped due to rain. Australia are currently at 283 for 6 and need 146 runs to win the game. England, on the other hand, need 7 wickets to win the game. However, it looks like the rain might play spoilsport in the final Test, leading to a tie.
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