On Day 2 of the fifth Test of the Ashes 2023 at the Oval, Steven Smith survived a run-out opportunity, prompting discussion of yet another third-umpire decision.
The event happened on the third ball of Chris Woakes’ 78th over when Smith worked the ball towards mid-wicket and attempted a double.
The ball was promptly sent toward wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow by England’s replacement fielder George Ealham after he had rapidly caught it. England instantly started celebrating the run-out as soon as Bairstow hit the stumps with Smith diving.
In addition, the Australian batsman appeared to be out of his crease and started to make a sluggish retreat back toward the pavilion. Nitin Menon, the third umpire, examined the situation closely and decided that Bairstow’s glove had disturbed the bails prior to catching the ball. Notably, Smith had only just entered the crease when both bails came loose.
As a result, the verdict went in Australia’s favor. The English crowd was quite upset about this and booed loudly across the Oval. The judgment has caused controversy in the cricket community, with many declaring it to be “out,” but everyone praised Menon’s cunning under pressure.
George Ealham 🤝 Gary Pratt
An incredible piece of fielding but not to be… 😔 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/yWcdV6ZAdH
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2023
In the 2005 Ashes, a 12th man ran out Ricky Ponting.
Notably, the runout brought to mind commentator Ricky Ponting’s memorable runout during the fourth Test of the Ashes in Nottingham in 2005. Australia was 155/2 and forced to follow on when Damien Martyn asked Ponting for a daring single. To eliminate the well-positioned batter for 48 runs, England’s 12th man Garry Pratt quickly picked up the ball and smashed the stumps at the striker’s end.
Ponting was unhappy about being fired, and he was observed yelling toward the England balcony as he walked irately back to the pavilion. The Australia captain, who was upset with England’s frequent usage of substitute fielders to rest their bowlers during the series, slammed England coach Duncan Fletcher as he made his way back to the pavilion.
But in a sweet gesture following the series, the Australian captain gave Pratt a pair of his autographed sneakers and said, “Well done.”
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