Ben Stokes will be happy England got over the line in the final game of The Ashes - because his embarrassing dropped catch could have cost his side a drawn series.
The 32-year-old skipper looked to have caught Australian batsman Steve Smith on 39 in the slips, before letting go of the ball too early and the umpires deeming it not out.
Stokes would sensationally review the decision despite his body language clearly indicating the English all-rounder knew he dropped the catch, but the on-field call from the umpires would stand.
Smith would ultimately be dismissed for 54 as part of a disappointing Aussie collapse, with the hosts securing the victory by 49 runs on a rain-affected day.
MORE: Why were England allowed to change the ball during the fifth Ashes Test?
Ben Stokes dropped catch, explained
Under the laws of cricket, the act of making a catch starts from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person, and ends when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and their own movement.
Unfortunately for Stokes, he failed to complete the catch and former England captain Alaistar Cook agreed with the umpires on Sky Sports commentary.
“The umpires have got it right," Cook said.
“There’s no question in my mind. Ben Stokes knew it, he put his head and eyes to the ground. I don’t think I’ve heard the crowd be so quiet during a DRS review.”
Ben Stokes claims a catch off Steve Smith's gloves late in the first session, only to be overturned.
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 31, 2023
Wonder what Piers thinks of this? 🤔#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS #Cricket #Ashes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/JsNBC24rYS
Nasser Hussain also claimed Stokes dropped the ball, likening it to one of the most famous moments in cricket history almost 25 years ago.
“You could tell immediately from his reaction that he knew he’d made an error,” he said.
“It very much reminded me of that Herschelle Gibbs moment in the 1999 World Cup, where he threw it away too early when claiming a catch.”
England captain Ben Stokes criticised for Ashes review
Given the continuous 'spirit of cricket' stance taken by the English side - in particular Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum - throughout the series, it was quite the turn of events to see them review a catch that was clearly not out.
Many on social media were quick to criticise the hypocrisy from Stokes following his shock review.
How funny. Spirit of cricket when it’s on their terms. Knew he dropped it and still went up for review…. Now arguing with the refs walking off. Can’t have it both ways Stokesy! #Ashes2023
— Chadd Sayers (@Chaddsayers27) July 31, 2023
The look on Ben Stokes’ face said it all but he still reviewed it because the chance of getting a big wicket trumped the spirit of the game line he was quick to trot out after 2nd Test. I thought he didn’t want to win a Test match like that? Hypocrisy at its finest #ashes
— brad davidson (@braddavo) July 31, 2023
It's a real shame Brendan McCullum won't be able to have a beer with his skipper after this match. You know... #SpiritOfCricket and all. 🧐 #suchashame
— Daniel Harford (@HarfSerious) July 31, 2023
Ben Stokes was hoping for a 3rd umpire blunder with that review, no other reason to do it. In the heat of battle, there’s a few others that would’ve done the same, but he, McCullum & co are just hypocrites. Spirit of cricket only applies when it suits them #Ashes
— Alex Marsh (@Ajmarsh87) July 31, 2023
After an entertaining five-match series, England and Australia could not be split, with the visitors retaining the urn and continuing their Ashes dominance.