Ashes 2023: MCC issues statement regarding Steve Smith's contentious run-out at The Oval

Australian star batter Steve Smith survived a close run-out call on Day 2 of the fifth and last Ashes 2023 Test when he was playing on 43. The Smith run-out controversy unfolded when third umpire Nitin Menon gave him not out as Menon felt England’s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had dislodged the bails before he collected the ball to hit the stumps. Smith later went on to score 71 runs, and as a result, Australia reached 295 in their first innings. 

Though Smith started walking back after replays and the Ben Stokes-led side was celebrating, the decision went in favour of the Australian camp. The Smith decision sparked controversy, and after that, many experts started analyzing the decision. Later, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) stepped in and passed its verdict on the controversy. The recognized club shared the video on social media and reacted to the incident at the Oval Test. 

“We have received a few questions regarding the decision in the below video,”“Law 29.1 states: "The wicket is broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps is removed from the ground," MCC tweeted. 

We have received a few questions regarding the decision in the below video.

Law 29.1 states: "The wicket is broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps is removed from the ground." (1/2)#Ashes pic.twitter.com/RyZMgf5ItF

— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) July 28, 2023

"Tom Smith's Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, MCC's Official Interpretation of the Laws of Cricket, adds: "For the purposes of dismissal – a bail has been removed at the moment that both ends of it leave their grooves," It further explained in the tweet. 

Steve Smith's survival from the runout helped Australia at the Oval Test-

The incident happened in the 78th over of the Australian first innings but commentators were discussing it till the end of the play. Later, as fans on social media came out in support of Nitin Menon, the broadcasters appreciated the decision. 

Speaking of the match, England was bowled out on Day 1 for 283 and even the Pat Cummins-led side was seen struggling as they lost five wickets under the 160 mark. Steve Smith's run-out incident happened when the Aussies were on 193/7 and later, with lower-order batters' support, especially from Todd Murphy and Cummins' innings, the visitors managed a lead of 12 runs. 

England will be giving all in the fifth and last Test to draw the series 2-2. It will be interesting to see how things unfold with the remaining days at the Oval Test. However, Australia has retained the Ashes this time after avoiding a series loss.