Watch: Ben Stokes does a Herschelle Gibbs, drops Steve Smith at the stroke of lunch on Day 5 of Oval Test

Ben Stokes ended up pulling off a Herschelle Gibbs on the final day of the 2023 Ashes on Monday, handing Steve Smith a lifeline during a crucial stage of the day’s play.

Australia batter Smith was batting on 39, having brought his side back on their feet with a solid fourth-wicket partnership with Travis Head (31 not out) that was worth 68 at the start of the final over bowled by Moeen Ali.

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Given his stature as one of the modern-day greats and a man in form who had scored a match-winning hundred at The Oval during the World Test Championship final against India, England were hoping to get rid of Smith and break the partnership before lunch on Day 5 in the fifth Test.

And Moeen delivered on that front by inducing a deflection off Smith’s glove while the Aussie No 4 shaped to defend, resulting in the ball lobbing over to England skipper Stokes at leg slip.

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In what could prove to be a defining moment not just of the match but of the series, the ball slipped out of Stokes’ right hand just as he was about to celebrate the catch. And though the hosts decided to take the matter upstairs to TV Umpire Nitin Menon, the expression on Stokes’ face suggested he might have fluffed the golden opportunity, and potentially dropped the chance to level the series.

While replays did confirm a nick off Smith’s glove, Menon ultimately ruled in favour of the batter after noting Stokes wasn’t fully in control of the ball when it slipped out of his hand.

Watch the moment unfold here:

Out or not out?