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 fans and pundits with mixed reactions, igniting a flurry of discussions 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 started 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… 😔 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/yWcdV6ZAdH
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2023
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 correctness 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. #ashes2023 #ashes2005 #garypratt #georgeeahlam
Have to applaud Nitin Menon for making the right decision 👏👏
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 28, 2023
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 ❤️#Ashes2023pic.twitter.com/Oj33D5l5tB
— Abdul Basit (@BasitCric) July 28, 2023
Kohli to Nitin Menon: Mai hota toh out tha😂#Ashes2023 #Ashes23 #Nitinmenonpic.twitter.com/28dtOa4mS8
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon is a legend 💯 pic.twitter.com/AoC5qCA52F
— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon Supremacy #ENGvsAUS#TheAshes
This is not out This is out pic.twitter.com/jpuh7lYrp8— AB_Hi (@abhi_inthearc) July 28, 2023
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
Many may argue, but Nitin Menon’s decision was very commendable & Steve Smith was not out.
His ingenious move of inspecting whether any of the bails were fully dislodged from the top of the stumps, as required by the rules, was truly praiseworthy.👏 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/9iG7OQSuzp
— Khush Thakkar (@Khush_Thakkar12) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon must not be allowed to do umpiring in any kind of International matches. pic.twitter.com/NrQTqKDcmV
— Husain 🏴 (@husain_tweets18) July 29, 2023
You can abuse Nitin Menon and I want too.
But here he is right, bails not completely dislodged. He explained it correctly pic.twitter.com/sWzg7R2gaw
— ⁴⁵ (@NewGodOfCricket) July 28, 2023
That’s top class decision by the third umpire Nitin Menon.
Salute To this Man 💫pic.twitter.com/Ww6zYDAJUx— AdityaMSDian™ (@AdityaSingh5143) July 28, 2023
One of the best decision by umpire Nitin Menon pic.twitter.com/QykqkQF8mb
— Gaurav Chaudhry (@itgaurav) July 28, 2023
Nitin Menon gave this not out. Smith went on to score 71 crucial runs. This when the series is on line. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Za52lqnUnB
— Sanket ☭ (@sankulyaa) July 29, 2023
Strewth, I just noticed the badge on Nitin Menon’s shirt #TheAshes pic.twitter.com/uuD1uAEBUQ
— 🍞🧈 (@Baramenyn) July 29, 2023
Toppp Class decision by nitin Menon…#NitinMenon #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/CSGqgpzKKH
— Cricnews (@BoharePawan) July 28, 2023
Steven Smith remains Not out Why ?
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 Nithin Menon ❤️#ENGvsAUS #Ashes2023 @stevesmith49#NitinMenon pic.twitter.com/9FXQTHtX59
— Subash (@Subashraghu18) July 28, 2023
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.
Also watch: Marnus Labuschagne departs seconds after extraordinary mind game from Stuart Broad – Ashes 2023
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