Table of Contents
The second day of the fifth Ashes 2023 Test witnessed an intense battle between Australia and England, but it was a contentious run-out decision involving Steve Smith that stole the spotlight. The third umpire’s call by Nitin Menon left fanꦅs and pundits with mixed reactions, igniting a flurry of discuss𝄹ions on social media.
As the match unfolded, Australia’s talismanic batter, Steve Smith, played a crucial role in forging a 12-run lead for his team. His 71-run knock off 123 balls included a significant partnership of 54 runs with captain Pat Cummins for 🍃the eighth wicket. However, it was during🥀 this partnership that controversy struck.
Also read: Michael Vaughan shares insights on James Anderson’s struggles in Ashes 2023
In the 78th over, Smith attempted a quick second run after nudging the ball to midwicket. England’s substitute fielder, George Ealham, exhibited exceptional fielding skills, delivering a precise throw to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. The initial replay indicated that Smith was well short of his crease, and he sta♑rted 💝walking back towards the pavilion, seemingly accepting his dismissal.
But the match took a dramatic turn as the third umpire, Menon, meticulously reviewed multiple replays. To the surprise of many, Menon ruled that Smith’s bat had crossed the crease before the bails were completely dislodged, giving him a lifeline. The decision polarized the crowd at The Oval, with a chorus of boos from English supporters and jubilation from the Australian contingent.
Here is the video:
George Ealham 🤝 Gary Pratt
An incredible piece of fielding but not to be… 😔 |
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
Social media abuzz as third umpire’s call sparks intense debate
The contentious call sparked heated debates among the commentators throughout the rest of the day’s play. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with fans and cricket enthusiasts voicing their opinions on Menon’s judgment. At first, many criticized the decision, but as the evidence unfolded, some commended Menon for his precise call, including renowned Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took to Twitter to acknowledge the corre༒ctness of the decision.
“What’s with the Ashes and substitute fielders. #ashes2023 #ashes2005 #garypratt #georgeeahlam Have to applaud Nitin Menon for making the right decision,” wrote Ashwin on Twitter.
What’s 🀅with the Ashes and substitute fielders.
Have to applaud Nitin Menon f🐼ꦺor making the right decision 👏👏
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99)
Here is how fans reacted:
Please must read law 29.1, The wicket is broken when at least one 🦄bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps.
The ball hasn't been removed from the top of the stumps. An excellent decision by Nitin Menon ❤️
— Abdul Basit (@BasitCric)
Kohli to Nitin Menon: Mai hota toh out tha😂
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841)
Nitin Menon is a legend 💯
— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti)
Nitin Menon Supremacy
This is not out This is out— AB_Hi (@abhi_inthearc)
Nitin Menon to others vs Nitin Menon to Kohli
— retired ICT fan (@anubhav__tweets)
Many may argue, but Nitin Menon's decision was very commendable & Steve Smith was not out.
His ing🎀enious move of inspecting whether any of the bai✤ls were fully dislodged from the top of the stumps, as required by the rules, was truly praiseworthy.👏
— Khush 🇮🇳 (@JalsaKaroYaar)
Nitin Menon must not be allowed to do umpiring in any kind of International matche🐻s.
— Husain (@husain_tweets18)
You can abuse Nitin Menon and I want too.
But here he𒈔 is right, bai𒁏ls not completely dislodged. He explained it correctly
— 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐬⁴⁵ (@NewGodOfCricket)
That’s top class decision by the third umpire Nitin Menon.
Salute To this Man 💫— AdityaMSDian™ (@AdityaSingh5143)
One of the best decision by umpire Nitin Menon
— Gaurav Chaudhry (@itgaurav)
Nitin Menon gave this not out. Smith we🍰nt on to score 71 crucial runsꦿ. This when the series is on line.
— Sanket D. Patil (@sankulyaa)
Strewth, I just noticed the badge on Nitin Menon's shirt
— 🍞🧈 (@Baramenyn)
Toppp Class decision by nitin Menon…
— Cricnews (@BoharePawan)
Steven Smith remains Not out Why ?
The wicket is broken when at le💝ast one bail is completely re🐼moved from the top of the stumps.
The ball hasn't been removed from the top of the stumps.
An excellent decision by Nithin Menon ❤️
— Subash (@Subashraghu18)
Amidst the run-out controversy, Smith remained unfazed, continuing to showcase his batting prowess. Eventually, he was dismissed for 71 runs by Chris Woakes. Australia’s innings concluded at 295, giving them a narrow 12-run lead over England’s first-innings total of 283.
