Australian cricketers who were a part of the 2023 Ashes have taken a dig at Ben Stokes for his controversial review of a dropped catch on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval.
Two months after the end of the epic 2023 Ashes series, the comments and controversies are still smoldering. The latest chapter tells the Australian side of the story.
In an interview with ABC Sports, several Australian players said that Steve Smith played the ball on the final day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval. He talked about what happened when he hit too hard. The leg where Ben Stokes was located.
Stokes jumped up and grabbed the ball with his right hand, but on the way down his hand hit the side of his thigh and he dropped the ball just as he was about to celebrate.
The referee rules that it is not on the field. However, Stokes went upstairs to confirm the decision. The television referee confirmed the call on the pitch, but Stokes then had a long conversation with him on the pitch, appearing to question the decision.
There were many events during the 2023 Ashes that sparked discussions about the Spirit of Cricket. The incident again caused problems, with Australian players and media criticizing Stokes for choosing to review. Smith, the batsman in question, expressed a similar view in an interview with ABC Sports.
“When Stokesy threw it on the deck to catch the ball and I looked at him and observed his body language, he knew he wasn’t out,” Smith said. “The decision to go up was interesting because I’m sure he knew he threw the ball away.”
Smith was seen talking to England players after dropping the catch. Travis Head, who was on the other side of the incident, revealed what Smith told the England players. “Steve had some sharp words at the time and you can see him pointing at it and asking if this is another gray area in the Spirit of Cricket,” Mr Head said.
“I just said, ‘Here’s your chance to be on the Spirit of Cricket,'” Smith added.
Usman Khawaja also commented on the incident and said, “It’s a strange line and it’s in the spirit of cricket.”
Cameron Green also joined in the conversation, saying Stokes’ actions were hypocritical of the ethos of cricket. “You seem to be talking about being true to the spirit of the game, but I don’t know if that’s the case (Stokes’ dropped catch).” “I think it’s a little hypocritical,” Green said. Told.
Smith was dismissed for 54 in a few overs after being bowled by Chris Woakes. England then put together Australia’s batting order well in the second half, bowling them out for 334 and winning by 49 runs, leaving the series tied at 2-2.
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