'Have to applaud him for making right decision' - Ravichandran Ashwin backs Nitin Menon after Steve Smith's debatable run-out call

Indian star off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin came out in support of third umpire Nitin Menon for his decision to give Steve Smith not out at the Oval Test. In the match, Smith guided Chris Woakes' delivery towards Mid-wicket and was coming back for a second run when substitute fielder George Ealham's power throw was collected by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who dislodged the stump. 

Initially, the English player and even Smith believed it was run out, but Menon went through a few more frames and later ruled it out as not out because, at the time, the Australian batter was out of the crease, the bails were not completely dislodged by Bairstow. Later, the decision was booed by the English fans, but on social media, after Ashwin came in support of the umpire, the fans were seen appreciating the umpire for his wise decision. 

What’s with the Ashes and substitute fielders. #ashes2023 #ashes2005 #garypratt #georgeeahlam

Have to applaud Nitin Menon for making the right decision 👏👏

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 28, 2023

“What's with the Ashes and substitute fielders? #ashes2023 #ashes2005 #garypratt #georgeeahlam. Have to applaud Nitin Menon for making the right decision,” tweeted Ashwin. 

When Indian off-spinner, Ashwin spoke about his support to Menon, he saw several social users join him in backing the umpire. Later, Smith went back to the pavilion after playing a significant knock of 71 runs.

Speaking of the match, England was bowled out on Day one for 283 and even the Pat Cummins-led side was 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 now have a lead of 12 runs. It would now be interesting to see if Australia take away the series from here or home side levels it.