Watch: Stokes dismisses Travis Head on Day 4 of first Test in controversial fashion
It seemed that umpire Aleem Dar failed to spot a backfoot no-ball of Stokes off which he scalped the wicket of Head.
Mumbai: The duo of Steve Smith and Travis Head were batting comfortably to steer Australia into a commanding position on the fourth day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
However, Ben Stokes was successful to break the 130-run partnership by dismissing Head, but in a slightly controversial fashion. It seemed that umpire Aleem Dar failed to spot a backfoot no-ball of Stokes off which he scalped the wicket of Head.
Stokes came round the wicket and bowled from the edge of the sideline. It looked like his backfoot was touching the sideline which according to the rulebook should have been a no-ball.
As per the laws governing the sport, rule 21.5.1 states "the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery."
The third umpire decided the first point of contact was inside the line and ruled it a legal delivery.
The man for a breakthrough @benstokes38! 🙌
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 4, 2019
Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/1J6wGj3xwv#Ashes pic.twitter.com/IRZwApH79E
Seen the replay now, so the third umpire is clearly saying that the original landing is inside the line, it's the other part of the foot that is touching. Gaffney might have been right there by the laws.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) August 4, 2019
Here is Sky - https://t.co/QCZ5ui2qla
Here's how Twitter reacted to the incident:
So was Travis Head out or not? Hard to say so benefit of the doubt to the umpire or to the batsman?
— Borgy 🇦🇺 (@Borgus17) August 4, 2019
So now it appears that Travis Head was given out on a no-ball. Umpires not doing their job. However their incompetence will not save England. #Ashes19
— twice (@tomwisetas) August 4, 2019
So Travis head dismissed off a no ball 🙄🤦♂ï¸Umpires need removal,including the 3rd. Just make everything automated #ashes #engaus #auseng @icc
— EEL55 (@EEL55__) August 4, 2019
More poor umpiring with Travis Head back foot no-ball. Surely the performance this test just shows no-balls should be considered by the third-umpire to take one thing off the on-field umpires mind? @ShaneWarne #ashes
— Matthew Harrington (@MJHarrington14) August 4, 2019