England stars prematurely celebrate Smith wicket as Ashes viewers debate call

Steve Smith has survived being made to walk at the Ashes this afternoon by the narrowest of margins. The Aussie was one frame out when the bails were dislodged, however, umpires ruled wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had disrupted them first.

As the ball came flying in towards Bairstow, Smith stumbled on his turn and was forced to make up the ground with a heroic dive. It wouldn’t be enough though as the bails were dislodged before Smith could reach the crease.

The England cricketers reeled off in celebration, however, the call was sent to an immediate review which revealed that Bairstow’s glove had touched the stump before the ball did. A cacophony of boos rang around the Oval as the decision was announced to the crowd and there was similar discontent online.

One fan (anngrypakiistan) tweeted: “This was clearly OUT. After seeing the replays even Smith started walking toward the pavilion. Lucky.” 

Another (@Deepanshu__Agar) wrote: “Seems clear out.” A third (RideTheBikeUK) added: “Regardless of whether he touched the stump with his glove, the bail was not broken. He then takes the ball and knocks two stumps backward at which point the bail is broken. Smith is not in at that point and therefore out!”

But there were others that agreed with the call. One supporter (@willsforever21) commended the quality of umpiring: “Excellent third umpiring! The attention to the minute details on every frame was brilliant.”

Meanwhile, another (@xSonoshee) accused Bairstow of cheating: “Stumps clearly moved before Smith’s bat went over the line. Still cheating it seems.”

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