Ravichandran Ashwin backs Nitin Menon after Steve Smith's debatable run-out call
Ashwin came in support of the umpire, the fans were seen appreciating the umpire for his wise decision.
Crickate
Ravichandran Ashwin defended Nitin Menon's decision to declare Steve Smith not out in the Oval Test. During the match, Smith guided Chris Woakes' delivery towards Mid-wicket and was returning for a second run when wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow caught substitute fielder George Ealham's powerful throw and dislodged the stump.
Initially, the English player and even Smith believed it was a run out, but Menon ruled it not out because, while the Australian batter was outside the crease, Bairstow did not entirely remove the bails. Later, the English supporters booed the decision, but after Ashwin defended the umpire on social media, the fans were seen praising the umpire for his wise decision.
What is it with the Ashes and replacement fielders? #ashes2023 #ashes2005 #garypratt #georgeeheahlam. Ashwin tweeted, "Have to applaud Nitin Menon for making the right decision."
When Indian off-spinner Ashwin expressed his support for umpire Menon on social media, he was joined by a number of other users. Subsequently, Smith returned to the pavilion after accumulating 71 runs.
England was wiped out for 283 on the first day of the match, and even the Pat Cummins-led side was struggling as they lost five wickets before reaching 160. The Australians were 193/7 when Steve Smith was run out, and with the help of the lower-order batters, particularly Todd Murphy and Pat Cummins, the visitors now have a 12-run lead. It would be fascinating to see if Australia wins the series or if the home team ties it.
