Ashes 2023 | Twitter reacts as bold umpiring call by Nitin Menon sees Smith survive controversial run-out attempt
The Ashes and controversies are no strangers but the way in which the latest one played out was certainly unique. Steve Smith, subject of a run-out attempt, had almost walked off when replays revealed a blunder from Jonny Bairstow that led to an elaborate dissection of the unique incident.
England took control of the fifth Test on Day 2 as the Australians suffered a mini-collapse to be reduced to 185/7 in response to the hosts' first innings score of 283. Steve Smith was the only batter that managed to stand tall and emerged as the Kangaroos' only hope in tricky conditions as he steered the innings forward alongside the tail with hopes of helping the team take a first innings lead. However, the veteran batter nearly lost his wicket when on 44 but a weird set of circumstances helped him extend his stay at the crease by the finest margins possible.
Facing Chris Woakes in the 78th over, Smith worked the third ball of the over towards midwicket and tried to sneak a second run with no fielders in the circle. However, substitute fielder George Ealham put in a brilliant sprint from the boundary ropes and got to the ball in a hurry before slinging an inch perfect throw to wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow. Sensing trouble, Smith put in a full-stretch dive but it did not seem to be enough as the square leg umpire sent the decision upstairs.
Replays showed that when the bails were first disturbed, Smith was well short of the crease, provoking the 34-year-old to resign to his fate and begin his walk towards the pavilion. But there was a twist in the tale as third umpire Nitin Menon asked for a closer look which made evident that Bairstow had made contact with the stumps before collecting the ball in his gloves. Interestingly, the impact had only made a bail jump out of the groove from one end while the other end remained settled in on top of the middle stump. Menon had a decision to make and decided to boldly interpret the events that unfolded in a left-field way, declaring the bail was still stable meaning Bairstow's mistake wasn't fatal. As the tapes rolled further, the bail did not budge even when Bairstow barged the red cherry into the stumps and took a few moments before completely coming off on both ends. However, by then, Smith's bat had sneaked inside the crease, which led Menon to declare the batter not out.
The entire incident had Twitterati on edge and a huge debate ensued around the laws of the game and whether the right decision had been made.
Another controversy
George Ealham 🤝 Gary Pratt
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2023
An incredible piece of fielding but not to be... 😔 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/yWcdV6ZAdH
Close call
It's so close but I think the third umpire got it right with the Smith run out ... superb fielding by George Ealham but Bairstow had knocked the stumps with his glove before the ball arrived. Yet again England's choice who keeps impacts on the game/series (Alex Davidson) pic.twitter.com/pUeDowgiEI
— Historic Cricket Pictures (@PictureSporting) July 28, 2023
Bad call
Such a bad decision. The middle stump is back, the bails are not in the grooves and Smith is short of his ground!
— Ben McKeith (@benmckeith) July 28, 2023
Yes Bairstow disturbed the off stump bail but not the leg stump bail. That is now out it’s groove! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/vPVry0FkjF
Big hundered coming
Steve Smith is now nailed on for a big hundred. Bairstow has cost England time and time again throughout the series. The fact he’s still playing is a large part of the reason why England haven’t won the Ashes. #Ashes #BBCCricket
— Ninja Embellish (@pastymuncher86) July 28, 2023
A small gift
A small gift by Bairstow to Smith .
— Neelesh Rikhari 🇮🇳 (@NeeleshRikhari) July 28, 2023
Might cost the series to England #Ashes #England pic.twitter.com/HMM85H146a
What a shame
Bad running from Smith, even worse keeping from Bairstow (again) #Ashes
— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) July 28, 2023
Woeful keeping
Whether it's out or not, it's more woeful keeping. Foakes must be wondering what he ever did wrong after watching the missed stumpings, dropped catches, massive amount of byes, and now a fumbled run out. #Smith #TheAshes #out #bairstow
— paul provins (@provaking) July 28, 2023
Nope
That the wrong decision.
— Alfie Hughes (@alfiehughes51) July 28, 2023
Poor from Bairstow but the second bail is clearly dislodged.#Ashes2023 #Bairstow #Smith pic.twitter.com/EqviLY9fyY
It is what it is
How was that not out? Yes Bairstow had already hit the stumps but on replay the stumps move before Smith grounds his bat #TheAshes
— Divert Matt (@DivertAppMatt) July 28, 2023
Chances ruined
Wtf Bairstow, u dud, ruined England having another Gary Pratt moment here... Smith survives..#Ashes #Ashes2023
— Jatin Sharma (@jatincricket) July 28, 2023
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