Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Steve Smith run out debate – Out or Not Out? | Reactions to Steve Smith run out controversy
Australian vice-captain Steve Smith was at the centre of more Ashes controversy, this time on the second day of the fifth Test at The Oval.
Smith, who top-scored with 71 as Australia secured a 12-run lead in the first innings, was nearly adjudged run out before third umpire Nitin Menon decided against the call.
Batting on 42, Smith tried to steal a double after guiding the ball towards mid-wicket. Substitute fielder George Ealham was quick to respond and launched a rocket throw that was collected by wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow.
However, there was a grey margin of doubt with respect to Bairstow having possibly dislodged the bails with his wicket-keeping gloves. Further, the bail was not off both grooves by the time Smith made it to the crease. After careful reptitions, Menon ruled the decision in the batsman’s favour but it surely sparked a debate on Twitter.
Steve Smith run out: Out or not out? Fans debate online
In Favour of The Decision:
Against the Decision:
The home team was bowled out for 283 in the first innings courtesy some impeccable bowling by Mitchell Starc, who scalped four wickets. Australia’s reply kicked off strongly as the team stood at 61/1 at stumps on the opening day of the Test match.
However, England produced a collective bowling effort to keep their lead as minimal as possible and still stand a chance of doing something special with the bat in their second innings. Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, and Joe Root took a couple of wickets each as Chris Woakes chipped in with three dismissals.
James Anderson had a solitary wicket to his name. Australia’s innings found some respite in the lower order with skipper Pat Cummins scoring 36 and spinner Todd Murphy making a valuable contribution of 34 runs. Australia walked into the first innings with a better bowling plan and reaped the results of the same by preventing England from putting up a big score on the board.
It promises to be an excellent day of Test cricket on Saturday with the game beautifully poised.
