England was rocked by an incredible catching drama involving Ben Stokes on the fifth day of the final Ashes Test, reawakening memories of Herschelle Gibbs dropping Steve Waugh in the 1999 World Cup.
The English inflicted carnage in the final session of play, claiming the final seven Australian wickets for the loss of just 70 runs to win the Test by 49 runs and square the series at 2-2.
But they had found themselves in trouble when Stokes made a blunder in the field in the final over before lunch.
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The England captain caught Steve Smith at leg slip but coughed up the ball while celebrating.
As he went to toss the ball up, his right hand bumped his right leg and the ball bobbled out.
Umpire Joel Wilson ruled not out, and despite appearing to know he'd lost control of the ball, a hesitant Stokes agreed to review the decision, his teammates prevailing in coercing him into it.
Stokes' teammates believed Moeen Ali's delivery had collected one of Smith's gloves as the right-hander defended on the front foot, and although that was the case, Stokes losing control of the ball ruined any hope of a wicket.
Adding to the drama was a huge roar that broke out throughout the venue when technology showed that Moeen's delivery had knocked Smith's bottom glove.
Moments later, the English players and spectators were miffed.
Smith was on 39 and the Australians were 3-238.
The former Australian captain only added another 15 runs, losing his wicket for 54 amid a horror batting collapse, but when he survived the Stokes catching fiasco there were grave fears among the English that he'd go on to make a big score.
Law 33.3 states: "The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder's person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement".
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"What a moment," Nasser Hussain said in commentary for Sky Sports.
"What could have been," added co-commentator Mel Jones.
"Ben Stokes — he knew it straight away, didn't he?" Mark Taylor said on the Nine broadcast.
"He knew that in his actions he hadn't completed the catch. Once he throws it up and he lands on the ground, he's completed the catch, but he didn't throw it up well enough. No doubt he caught it cleanly.
"It's a great moment and, once again, a controversial moment, but Australia go to lunch still believing they can win this Test match."
The catching drama brought back memories of South Africa's Gibbs dropping Australia's Steve Waugh at Headingley in the 1999 World Cup.
The South African opener lost control of the ball as he went to throw it skyward at midwicket, reprieving Waugh on 56 with the Australians 3-48.
Waugh carried on to make 120 not out and steer the Australians to a five-wicket win.
The Australian skipper shot a savage remark at Gibbs after he dropped the catch, quipping: "You've just dropped the World Cup".
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