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Even into the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2023 series, this exciting rubber continues to give moments to talk about. And another controversy was sparked on Day 2 of the ongoing Oval Test involving Australia batsman Steve Smith, England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow, and the third umpire India’s Nitin Menon.
This is how the action unfolded on delivery number 77.3 of Australia’s innings that has become a major talking point as it could have a significant bearing on the outcome of this match – that batter in this case is Steve Smith – and the eventual scoreline of the Ashes series, and Australia’s hopes of winning their first Ashes series on England shores since 2001.
Smith tapped Woakes on the legside and set off for a couple. At square leg, however, George Ealham, the substitute fielder, does superbly to pick up the ball and throw at the striker’s end. Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow receives the throw and messes the stumps. Initially, it seemed that Steve Smith is out and the batter even the batsman started to walk to the dressing room.
However, upon replays, it was learned that Bairstow had dislodged a bail before collecting the ball. Things became tight now. Third umpire Nitin Menon took his time to make the correct decision. He scrutinized from two different angles and came to the conclusion that Bairstow had hit the stumps before collecting the ball, rendering one bail irrelevant, and before the second bail was dislodged Smith’s bat had just slightly come in the crease, thus, Smith was given NOT OUT.
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
Was Nitin Menon’s decision correct?
Yes, Nitin Menon’s decision of giving Steve Smith not out in the controversial run-out event was correct. The Marylebone Cricket Club, the guardians of the cricket laws, also confirmed that Nitin Menon’s decision to give Smith not out was indeed the right one.
Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, MCC’s Official Interpretation of the Laws of Cricket, adds: “For the purposes of dismissal – a bail has been removed at the moment that both ends of it leave their grooves.” (2/2)
➡️ https://t.co/EyxKtnx0i2#MCCLaws
— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon received praise from many quarters, including from Indian fans, for his brilliant decision under huge pressure and tight video frames, but some English fans trolled Menon.
Nitin Menon to others vs Nitin Menon to Kohli https://t.co/mUAEAJrmlO pic.twitter.com/BHneJlXVIS
— retired ICT fan (@anubhav__tweets) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon gave this not out? 😭 pic.twitter.com/qpmqjJ3ES9
— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) July 28, 2023
The real Ashes is between Nitin Menon and Joel Wilson. So far Menon is ahead. wait for Wilson to make a Headingley sized comeback.
— ∆nkit🏏 (@CaughtAtGully) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon would be praying now that this decision goes on to decide the outcome of the match so that, it gets talked about a lot, and he could be the center of attraction for a period of time. Smartly played.
— BALAJI (@deep_extracover) July 28, 2023
All Steve Smith fans should take a pledge that they would never abuse Nitin Menon#Ashes2023#ENGvAUS
— Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) July 28, 2023
Umpire – Nitin Menon
😢📸Sonyliv#Ashes #AUSvsENG #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/yjaKfuMBxG
— India Fantasy (@india_fantasy) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon saving Australia. But good call. https://t.co/qi06gyDzna
— Archer (@poserarcher) July 28, 2023
If kohli hota to ye nitin Menon bsdk out de deta 😭
— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon thevidiya payale I’ll find you and I’ll smash you
— Hazza (@AzzurriLFC) July 22, 2023
Nitin Menon umpiring in other matches vs Nitin Menon umpiring when its Kohli pic.twitter.com/pMkkZDoeaO
— sourav (@Purplepatch22) July 22, 2023
Nitin Menon’s trial by fire
— Gulu Ezekiel (@gulu1959) July 28, 2023
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