WATCH | Out Or Not-Out? Controversy Erupts In Ashes Again As Steve Smith Survives Call

Watch below viral video of Steve Smith's run-out that created controversy on Day 2 of ENG vs AUS 5th Ashes 2023 Test.

Smith's 71 helped Australia establish a first-innings lead after Broad sparked a major batting collapse that saw Aussies decline from 115-2 to 185-7.

Source : Screengrab taken from Twitter

A massive controversy erupted on Day 2 of England vs Australia Ashes 2023 Test series after Aussie premier Steven Smith and England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow got involved in a bizarre run-out. In the 78th over, Smith ran for a double after playing Chris Woakes' delivery. On his way back to the second run, wicketkeeper Bairstow received a fiery throw from substitute fielder George Ealham and soon dislodged the bails. To check whether Smith had made it back to the crease or not in time, the decision was sent upstairs to the third umpire for a review. The umpire checked different angles and one of the angles showed that Smith's bat wasn't inside the crease when Bairstow hit the stumps.

Watch below viral video of Smith's run-out that created controversy on Day 2 of ENG vs AUS 5th Ashes 2023 Test

George Ealham 🤝 Gary Pratt

An incredible piece of fielding but not to be... 😔 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/yWcdV6ZAdH

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 28, 2023

Seeing the angle, Smith, who was batting on 48 at that time, started walking back towards the Australian dugout and England started celebrating. However, a second angle put doubt into his mind and he stopped. Within a few minutes, the decision on the big-screen popped up to be not-out, leaving everyone stunned.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) issued a clarification on Smith's non-dismissal.

"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 posted in a tweet to clarify the decision made by Menon.

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

When Smith was asked whether he knew the rules, he said: 

"Don't the bails have to come out off the stumps, out of the grooves or something as far as I know?

"But you've just got to go off the umpire and what he says and fortunately for me he said 'not out'."

Talking about the match, Smith's 71 helped Australia establish a first-innings lead after Broad sparked a major batting collapse that saw Aussies decline from 115-2 to 185-7. England eventually bowled out Australia for 295 at stumps on Day 2. Australia are 12 runs ahead of England's 283.