England vs Australia, fifth Test, Ben Stokes dropped catch, Steve Smith, video, cricket news – TOTOCC

Herschelle Gibbs, look away …

Australian vice-captain Steve Smith has been handed a massive reprieve on the final over before lunch on day five of the fifth Ashes Test, with rival skipper Ben Stokes dropping a catch in dramatic scenes at The Oval.

In the 66th over of Australia’s second innings, England spinner Moeen Ali ripped a delivery into Smith’s gloves, with the catch ballooning towards Stokes at leg slip.

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The England captain leapt in the air and held onto the one-handed chance, with the hosts appealing for a dismissal — but umpire Joel Wilson was unmoved at the striker’s end.

Stokes was initially reluctant to call for a review, but his teammates begged him to send the decision upstairs.

The London crowd erupted when footage of the deflection off Smith’s gloves appeared on the big screens, but third umpire Nitin Menon wanted to see replays of Stokes’ catch.

Replays showed that as the Durham all-rounder threw his arms up to appeal, the ball had slipped out of his hands — and Menon subsequently handed down a not out verdict.

To rub salt into the wounds, England lost their second unsuccessful review, much to Stokes’ frustration.

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Law 33.3 states: “The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and their own movement.”

Smith, who was unbeaten on 39 at the time, survived to lunch alongside teammate Travis Head, with Australia 3-238 in pursuit of the 394-run target for victory.

“How funny,” cricketer Chadd Sayers tweeted.

“Spirit of cricket when it’s on their terms. Knew he dropped it and still went up for review…. Now arguing with the refs walking off. Can’t have it both ways Stokesy!”