Jason Gillespie and Ben Stokes dropping a catch at Edgbaston. Digitally altered image
Aussie cricket legend Jason Gillespie gave us some insight into the moment that cost England in Australia’s epic win in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston overnight.
With 37 required for victory and two wickets in hand Stuart Broad tempted Nathan Lyon in to a lofted pull shot, and it went into Ben Stokes’s outstretched hand and out again.
“Literally the ball before, the fielder out on the fence Zak Crawley actually encouraged Ben Stokes to move in about 10 foot closer to Nathan Lyon, so he went in,” Dizzy said.
“Had he stayed in the original position he was in, it would have gone straight down his throat.
“So yeah, it’s all those little moments that can happen in a game of cricket.
“That’s what makes Test cricket so fascinating.”
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If the catch had stuck, Australia would have been out for just 2, and 36 runs in arrears.
The wicket would have brought number 11 Josh Hazlewood to the crease to partner Pat Cummins.
Instead, Lyon made 16 invaluable runs as Cummins masterminded a stunning victory with 44* — his highest score since the Boxing Day Test of 2018.
GIllespie also discussed Ben Stokes’ now infamous first day declaration that saw England close their innings at 8/393 despite Joe Root looking in imperious touch in an innings of 118*.
“It did surprise a few people, but in a funny kinda way it didn’t surprise,” Dizzy said.
“That’s how this team under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have been going.
“They’ve done these declarations and had a dart at the opposition.
“Had they got a wicket or two that night… people would say it’s an inspired move.
“It didn’t quite pan out that way, the Australian openers got through no dramas.
“But this is their philosophy, this is how they’re going about it, and gee, you’ve gotta give the English credit, it’s pretty entertaining cricket.”
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