Ashes 2017-18: 6 Controversies from the marquee series Down Under
The conclusion of yet another Ashes series Down Under where hosts Australia dominated and decimated England has given us many memories - Steven Smith's dogged knock at Brisbane and his double at Perth; the Marsh brothers - Shaun and Mitchell - scoring centuries in the same innings at Sydney, among others - but there can rarely be an Ashes where controversy takes the back seat.
In the 2017-18 series, there were 6 such incidents which sparked a debate with social media especially taken by storm. Here are those controversial occurrences from the series.
#6 Moeen Ali stumping at Brisbane
England were already down and struggling in the first Test of the tour before a debatable umpiring decision pushed them further back. After being 26 behind in the first innings courtesy of a stubborn unbeaten century from Steven Smith, they were at a dicey position of 74/4 and then 113/5. All-rounder Moeen Ali, batting at number six, arrived following a low score and a decent outing with the ball in the first innings.
He counter-attacked for England, trying to disrupt the bowlers' length, and especially targeting Nathan Lyon. Quickly, Moeen had moved over to 40 off 63 balls with six fours as England were 129 ahead. But then arrived the controversy: the ball turned well, Moeen missed it and wicket-keeper Tim Paine quickly removed the bails.
Moeen's foot appeared to be on the line, which itself seemed to be unevenly drawn. Third umpire Chris Gaffaney deliberated for long before finally deciding to send the Englishman back and triggering a lengthy argument.