• Source:JND
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Australia batter Steve Smith survived once again in the game as he was dropped by England skipper Ben Stokes at leg slip on the final day of the fifth Ashes Test on Monday.

The controversial instance took place in the 66th over of Australia's second innings, the last over before lunch when Smith tried to defend a delivery bowled by Moeen Ali.

The ball brushed off his glove and went towards Stokes who after a short jump grabbed the catch but couldn't hold on to it as he tried to throw it in the air in celebration.

The players including wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow started appealing but the umpire gave it as not out. Stokes, who was looking unsure after his mistake decided to go upstairs after a little chat with his teammates.

The third umpire saw the replays as the ball had clearly touched the glove but the decision was given as not out due to Stokes not managing to take control of the ball while catching.

 

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The decision received a loud cheer of Boos from the crowd with England players looking surprised on the same. Smith, on the other hand, remained at the crease as the visitors finished the first session at 238-3 while chasing the mammoth target of 384 runs.

Stokes with a few more English players were seen having an argument with on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena as the hosts missed out on a golden chance to take an upper hand before going to the lunch break.

However, they managed to take three wickets, including David Warner and Usman Khawaja who looked dangerous overnight, and put up a promising opening stand of 140 runs.

The decision was made in regard to Law 33.3 from Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) Laws of Cricket. According to the Law, “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 his/her own movement.”

 

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With two sessions remaining, Australia requires 146 runs to win to secure the series 3-1 and improve on its standings in the ICC World Test Championship points table.