There was one glaring mis-step from Ben Stokes which cost England a wicket on the second morning of the Ashes, giving Australian opener David Warner a reprieve when he was on 17.
It soon emerged that Stokes, bowling his first over in a test match since March, had also overstepped the crease on his previous three deliveries and not been called for a no-ball by the umpires.
Later still, Australia’s Ashes broadcaster Channel 7 revealed Stokes had overstepped the front crease 14 times in Thursdays’ opening session and had only been called twice for a no-ball.
The missed opportunity on Warner was a problem for Stokes and England. The amended decision: no ball. Warner got to play on. One run was added to the total _ in the sundries column _ and an extra delivery had to be bowled in the over.
what the hell did just happen? Stokes clean bowled Warner but on a no ball. unbelievable. today’s 1st no ball and that too on a wicket taking delivery.🏏 @CricketAus @englandcricket #TheAshes pic.twitter.com/m70mKgoWvM
— ansh sharma (@anshVK183) December 9, 2021
But it exposed a bigger problem for the match officials.
Cricket Australia said a technology problem at the Gabba meant that the third umpire, Paul Wilson, couldn’t review TV replays of every delivery to check if bowlers were over-stepping the crease, leaving it to the on-field umpires to make the calls.
Ex-Australia test captain Ricky Ponting described it as “pathetic officiating” during the match commentary.
Only wicket-taking deliveries are being checked for no ball by TV umpire this match. All other deliveries are responsibility of on-field umpire. #ashes #Stokes #Warner https://t.co/6BfRaKT26y
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) December 9, 2021
The International Cricket Council is responsible for the implementation of that system that allows the TV official to check for no-balls.
Before a change in the rules last year, it was standard practice for on-field umpires to inform bowlers when they were close to over-stepping and to signal a no-ball.
England captain Joe Root, speaking to Fox Cricket during a break in play, said the missing chance against Warner was “frustrating.”
“The fact we’re creating a good number of chances is really pleasing,” he said. “We’ve got to stay confident … keep trusting what we’re doing and believing we’ll get the rewards.”
England was bowled out for 147 on day one of the series Wednesday, a tally the Australians passed with the loss of one wicket.