Amidst incessant criticism over Nitish Menon’s decision for Steve Smith, Ravichandran Ashwin gives his VERDICT

On social media, fans started slamming Nitin Menon for his decision but not Ashwin.

Amidst incessant criticism over Nitish Menon’s decision for Steve Smith, Ravichandran Ashwin gives his VERDICT

Steve Smith's dismissal, R Ashwin (Images via Getty)

Since overturning the decision of Steve Smith‘s non-dismissal, there has been a huge uproar on Twitter where a section of fans started criticising third umpire Nitin Menon. However, India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came to his support. During Day 2 of the fifth Ashes series, Smith almost became a victim of an outstanding run out by substitute fielder George Ealham at The Oval in London.

The incident happened during the 78th over of Australia’s innings. Ealham’s rocket throw was aimed at the stumps and keeper Jonny Bairstow stationed there did not waste time to dislodge the bails. Smith started walking toward the dressing room and English players, knowing the value of the wicket, were quite happy and started celebrating.

YouTube video

But Smith stopped as the third umpire Nitin Menon started checking the footages. Menon checked the footages frame by frame and found that Smith had crossed the line before Bairstow dislodged the bails.

Here’s the video of the incident:

The crowd at The Oval started booing but Smith, who was on 44 off 85 balls, got a lifeline and completed his half-century, finally lost his wicket to Chris Woakes after scoring 71 runs off 123 balls. On social media, fans started slamming Menon for his decision but not Ashwin. “What’s with the Ashes and substitute fielders. Have to applaud Nitin Menon for making the right decision,” wrote Ashwin on his Twitter.

Check his tweet here:

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Ravichandran Ashwin in contention for the ODI World Cup

Amidst incessant criticism over Nitish Menon's decision, Ravichandran Ashwin gives his VERDICT
R Ashwin (Image via Getty)

There have been reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) can pick Ravichandran Ashwin for the upcoming 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, which is slated to start on October 5 in India. Ashwin hasn’t been a part of the 50-over format since January 21, 2022.

As per a report by The Indian Express, the management has been discussing the same. Ashwin was part of the MS Dhoni-led side that won the 2011 ODI World Cup and was part of the team in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy Final. Ashwin came in contention because the two other spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, have similar skills.

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