The pleasure of claiming Aussie run-machine Steve Smith was all an excessive amount of for England skipper Ben Stokes with an insane dropped catch on the stroke of Lunch at The Oval.
Fans’ minds had been forged again to Herschelle Gibbs on the 1999 World Cup in opposition to Australia as Stokes inadvertently pulled off his greatest impression within the fifth and last Ashes Test.
Despite a splendid first hour for the hosts, England had been on the again foot as Smith and Travis Head received the deficit underneath 150.
However, within the penultimate over earlier than the lengthy break, Moeen Ali received an offie to spit out of the wicket and seize Smith’s glove.
The ball ballooned into the air.
The English skipper timed his bounce to perfection at leg slip, stretching out his hand and snatching the ball.
But he went the early crow, bringing the ball down and trying to throw it again up in celebration in a single go.
His hand brushed his knee, knocking the ball free and onto the ground.
Bizarrely, England selected to overview the ball to make sure Smith gloved it.
The last day of the Ashes was additionally hit by controversy early within the day as former Australian participant Cullum Ferguson lashed the umpires for a “disgraceful” ball swap.
Two overs earlier than rain struck on day 4, England’s dud first ball was changed after hanging Khawaja’s helmet.
However, the substitute, meant to be as just like the present one as potential, regarded near-new and had England in love because it seamed and swung round corners when play resumed on day 5.
The ball claimed Warner, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne earlier than calming down with age.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
