England captain Ben Stokes gives Steve Smith a massive letdown after he dropped a one-handed catch while celebrating in yet another dramatic Ashes moment that divided fans
England captain Ben Stokes gives Steve Smith a massive letdown after he dropped a one-handed catch while celebrating in yet another dramatic Ashes moment that divided fans
- Delivery by Moeen Ali looped from Steve Smith’s gloves to Ben Stokes
- The England captain appeared to have taken an excellent one-handed hold
- But Stokes then dropped the ball as he appeared to throw it up in celebration
England were denied a crucial Ashes wicket when captain Ben Stokes dropped a one-handed catch while already celebrating.
In yet another moment that divided cricket fan opinion during a dramatic run, Stokes gave Australian batsman Steve Smith a huge reprieve as the tourists chased down 384 for a 3–1 win.
But debate raged over whether Stokes had enough control of the ball to complete the catch before dropping it to the turf.
It appeared that Stokes was about to throw the ball into the air in honor of the prize wicket after jumping off Smith’s gloves from Moeen Ali’s bowling alley and grabbing him overhead.
It was not handed out by umpire Joel Wilson, breaking up loud celebrations at The Oval, with Stokes appearing to accept that he had dropped it.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook said on Test Match Special: ‘Definitely the right call from the referees, he couldn’t control having the catch.’
More to follow.
Ben Stokes appeared to have taken an excellent one-handed catch over his head after the ball ran off Australian batsman Steve Smith’s gloves.
Stokes appeared to have the ball safely in his hands as Smith looked back ruefully and England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow (right) began to celebrate
But as Stokes began to celebrate, he lost control of the ball as it hit the turf
Stokes seemed to know right away that the catch would not count if judged
Stokes and the England team nervously await the verdict on the lost catch