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The fifth day of the final Ashes 2023 Test between England and Australia produced some breathtaking moments before lunch at the Kennington Oval. While chasing a target of 384 runs set by the hosts, Australia are sprinting toward the target as Steven Smith and Travis Head are currently on the pitch with a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, the Three Lions almost had a breakthrough as skipper Ben Stokes caught a brilliant one-handed stunner only to drop it in the follow-through.
During the 66th over of Australia's second innings, England all-rounder Moeen Ali bowled a tossed-up delivery to Smith, who came forward to defend but the ball hit the gloves and went towards the leg slip. Ben Stokes timed his jump perfectly to take a one-handed stunner, however, drops the ball during the celebration as his palm hit his knees. While the English side began celebrating the wicket, Stokes didn't seem convinced.
Watch unlucky Ben Stokes' dropped catch:
Many believed the England skipper dropped the match after failing to hold on to the one-handed stunner that could dismiss Smith. While a few fans believed that it should be given out despite Stokes losing the ball in the end, other fans recalled former South African batter Herchelle Gibbs celebrating Steve Waugh's catch in the 1999 world cup during the Super Six stage.
After the end of session 1, Australia require 146 runs more to win the game and the Ashes 2023 Test series in 70 overs. Warner and Khawaja provided a strong base with a 140-run opening stand as Chris Woakes and Mark Wood picked two and one wicket respectively.
