Ben Stokes loses control following a superb effort to wrap up Steve Smith. After midday, the rain stopped play, and Pat Cummins and company need 146 runs to win the Ashes in 2023.
At the stroke of lunch on Day 5 of the current fifth Ashes Test at The Oval in London. England skipper Ben Stokes failed to hold a catch of star Australia batter Steve Smith.
The unusual occurrence occurred as Stokes jumped up to collect the ball. After Moeen Ali’s delivery brushed Smith’s glove as the Australian came forward to defend. The all-rounder clutched the ball, but it slipped out when his hand touched down on his right knee.
The hosts had requested a review when the decision of the on-field umpire did not favor them. The verdict was upheld by the third umpire. Who determine that the English all-rounder was not totally in control of the ball during the catch, and Smith was declared not out.
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Rain stops the play, Australia need 146 runs to clinch the Ashes
In the fifth Ashes Test, openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja gave Australia the lead in the fourth innings at Kennington Oval on Day 4, when rain forced early stumps. With the duo adding 135 runs for the opening wicket. Australia found themselves in an excellent position while chasing 384 runs.
After starting at 135-0 on Day 5, Khawaja and Warner attempted to consolidate Australia’s innings after their strong partnership the day before. However, Warner was out for 60 on a rising delivery from Chris Woakes and edged a catch to wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow. Meanwhile, Woakes struck again in his following over, lbw Khawaja for 72.
Marnus Labuschagne, on the other hand, snagged an outswinger from Mark Wood, and Zak Crawley made a great low catch at second slip. Australia, on the other hand, reached 238/3 at lunch, with Smith and Tavis Head in the center. Smith and Head are unbeaten on 40 and 31, respectively, as Australia looks to win the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.
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