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Posted: 2023-07-31 18:11:04

Another catching controversy, a spot of rain and a destructive Australian batting collapse on the final day of the Ashes series.

Here are five things you missed from the final day of the 2023 Ashes series overnight.

1. The new old ball

Late on day four, after Usman Khawaja got whacked in the helmet by Mark Wood, the umpires changed the ball.

Point Five of Law Five states that if a ball has become damaged or unfit for play "the umpires shall replace it with a ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement".

So, the box of balls was brought out to the middle and the two standing umpires, Joel Wilson and Kumar Dharmasena, picked out a new, used ball.

A photo of the original ball that looks old and the replacement ball that looks new

Spot the difference…(Supplied: Channel 9)

The thing is, it did look new. Really new when compared to the ball they were dispensing with.

That took place in the 37th over — meaning England only had one over with it on day four.

On day five though, the full impact of the new-looking old ball was in clear evidence, as England's bowlers extracted extravagant swing in cloudy conditions.

Australia lost 3-29 in just under eight overs to Chris Woakes and Mark Wood.

"I think it's a disgraceful decision," former Australian player Callum Ferguson said on Channel Nine. 

"I find it staggering. You can't have such an impact with such a new ball and having such an impact on the contest."

2. Ben Stokes's Mitchell Starc moment

Composite image of Ben Stokes catching and then dropping the ball during an Ashes Test at The Oval.

In the last over before lunch, Ben Stokes caught Steve Smith, then dropped him.

On the stroke of lunch, England felt like they had a major breakthrough after an impressive 68-run partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head.

Moeen Ali found the glove of Smith with some extra bounce in the final over before lunch.

Ben Stokes jumped into the air and took a stunning catch one-handed at the apex of his leap at leg slip, but as he landed, the ball popped out of his hand as he swung it around and it connected with his thigh.

Stokes had not completed the catch as he was not in complete control of his body before it popped out, similar to how Mitch Starc's catch didn't count at Lord's from the perspective of the Laws — and he knew it instantly.

Yet, incredibly given the events at Lord's — where the Spirit of Cricket was invoked regarding Australia not withdrawing their appeal for the contentious yet entirely legal run-out of Jonny Bairstow — Stokes did not withdraw the appeal.

Not only that, he doubled down, reviewing the call — albeit somewhat reluctantly.

England captain Ben Stokes makes a T with his hands to review a catch of Australia batter Steve Smith, who is looking on.

Despite seemingly knowing he had dropped Steve Smith, Stokes (second from right) still reviewed.(Getty Images: Stu Forster)

Third umpire Nitin Menon ruled correctly that the catch had not been completed and The Oval vented its displeasure.

"Absolutely the right decision from the umpires," Sir Alastair Cook said on Test Match Special.

"He didn't have it under control to have the catch. That is a moment."

England had already lost the Ashes, so this drop didn't cost them that at least. But it certainly lost the hosts their moral high ground.

3. Rain makes things even more interesting

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow stands under an umbrella with an umpire during an Ashes Test at The Oval.

The players came out after lunch but went back off before a ball was bowled.(Getty Images: Ryan Pierse)

Like the climactic scene of any number of rom-coms, rain has constantly heightened the drama of this remarkable Ashes series.

It knocked out five of the last six sessions in the fourth Test, helping Australia retain the Urn and prompting English players to call for everything short of moving day five to an indoor venue. And it wiped out half of day four at The Oval, setting up a grand finale on the last day of the series.

Then, on that last day, it came back at inconvenient times yet again.

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