Team England wanted an important wicket on the final day of the final Ashes Test to comprise Australia and believed that they had Australia’s star batter Steve Smith near lunch on Day 5 however the batter was dominated not out. In the 66th over, Smith was batting on 39 and England captain Ben Stokes appeared to have caught the ball at leg gully because it popped off the batter’s glove of Moeen Ali‘s crazy supply. Umpire Joel Wilson stated it was not out and Stokes went for overview.

The catch was taken cleanly by Stokes at leg gully as he stretched his proper arm however as he moved to rejoice, the ball flew out of his arms and fell down.

Replays appeared to point that Stokes realised it wasn’t a clear catch since his head dropped immediately.

“After numerous replays, Smith was ruled not out as the catch was not perceived to be clean according to law 33.3 of the MCC,” the ICC wrote in a report.

“The law states, ‘The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement.’

“The incident was much like Mitchell Starc‘s catch of Ben Duckett at Lord’s however clearer. With this, Smith survived as Australia headed to lunch three down and needing an extra 146 runs to win. “

Chris Woakes and Mark Wood provided the early breakthrough on Day 5 of the of the fifth Ashes Test to help England stage a comeback but Australia still have an edge in the crucial math.

Australia were 238/3 at Lunch with Steve Smith (40) and Travis Head (31) standing unbeaten at the crease with the team needing another 146 runs for victory.