'Brilliant sportsmanship': Ben Stokes wins over fans after classy act
Ben Stokes has won over many fans after walking, despite the umpire not giving him out, after edging behind to Tim Paine.
Stokes arrived at the crease to the biggest cheer of the day after his heroics at Headingley.
'STAGGERING’: Ricky Ponting slams England over 'unacceptable' act
Many English fans were hoping he could conjure up another incredible innings, but it wasn’t to be when he feathered a ball behind from a Pat Cummins ball.
However, even though Paine was convinced the umpire did not raise his bat.
But in a move that has been hailed as “brilliant sportsmanship” Stokes walked to leave England at 4-87.
Mark Taylor praised his decision to walk even though with DRS players can review tight decisions.
Many on social media praised Stokes for walking in such a crucial moment of the game.
After his incredible heroics in the last test match to make test history @benstokes38 #Freak and #Genius has just gone into another class in my view, as a gentleman and a cricketer by walking - not many do that these days gilly was the last I reckon ! #Ashes2019 #Stokes https://t.co/GU1wuRJ1fK
— Darryn Lyons (@DarrynLyons) September 8, 2019
You cannot fault Ben Stokes there, you nick it, you walk. Fair play to him #Ashes #ENGvAUS
— Hypocrites FC Hunter (@UnderConstruc11) September 8, 2019
Ben Stokes walking when the umpire hasn't given him out is brilliant sportsmanship. It's not what England need or want, but huge respect to the guy. Reminds me of Gilchrist. #Ashes19
— Arvind Hickman (@ArvindHickman) September 8, 2019
Ben Stokes should be knighted for walking.#Ashes #AUSvENG
— steve taylor (@thatstevetaylor) September 8, 2019
Ben Stokes walks. I don't reckon Marais Erasmus was going to give that out. #ENGvAUS #Ashes2019
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) September 8, 2019
Ben Stokes just gained a fan from me there #Ashes
— Peter Hooley (@PeterHooley12) September 8, 2019
Ponting slams England tactics
Australian great Ricky Ponting has questioned the tactics of England after a strong display from the Aussies at Old Trafford on Day Four of the fourth Test.
Smith and Pat Cummins, the world's top-ranked batsman and bowler, lived up to their mantle on Saturday to bust the contest open as their side stalked a 2-1 series lead.
But prior to tea the match was in the balance on Day Four when brilliant spells from Stuart Broad (2-54) and Jofra Archer (3-45) left the AUssies reeling at 4-64 with a lead of 259 runs.
But after tea, captain Joe Root insisted on bowling bowling Craig Overton and Jack Leach, despite the two quicks tearing the Australian batting line-up apart.
Steve Smith and Matthew Wade took advantage of the move and put on a 105 fifth wicket partnership and guided Australia to a strong lead before declaring.
Ponting said he was baffled at the decision to try and smother the Aussies when they were struggling.
"I was extremely surprised at England's tactics after tea. To not start with one of Archer or Broad for me was staggering,” Ponting told Cricket.com.au.
"I think the most important phase of play for England was the first hour after tea and they decided to go with Overton and Leach, and I know Overton only bowled three overs but it just seemed to quieten the whole crowd down and it gave Smith a chance to get in and get settled and start again.
"I think they bowled six overs in 40 minutes. You'd have to say it's unacceptable to bowl seven-minute overs."