WATCH: Massive Call By Third Umpire With Ashes On The Line Leaves Isa Guha, Mel Jones Stunned
It was just another test that saw the match going down to the wire and chants of "Test Cricket is the best" echoed. England and Australia played one of the best test matches in not only women's cricket but overall as well.
England were set a record total of 257 runs to win the test match by Australia and they had two sessions to chase the target. Most teams would have gone for the safe option and play for the draw but England decided to chase it.
They were 218/3, needing 39 runs in the final eight overs when the collapse happened. In the next five overs, England were reduced to 244/8. Australian debutant Alana King had just effected a runout.
Charlotte Dean, on the very next ball after the runout, decided to go for the sweep but top-edged it to give an easy catch to Alyssa Healy. However, Australians had their hearts in their mouth when the on-field umpire wanted to check for the no-ball.
The decision went to the third umpire and it was a close call. King's back leg almost touched the return crease. However, the umpire declared that “the first point of contact is inside the popping crease, it is not touching the popping crease, therefore it is a fair delivery.”
It was a massive decision given the context of the game where England needed 13 runs to win in 13 balls and the decision will see visitors' ninth wicket fall.
Mel Jones and Isa Guha who were on the commentary on Fox Sports were stunned by the decision made.
“The rule is some part of the foot has to land before it touches the crease line and on first vision, to me, it felt as if there was contact ... it looked even more so from behind,” Jones said.
“Same to me, Mel. And that’s not rose-tinted glasses either. This could be one of the biggest calls going into the final 13 (balls)," Guha responded.
Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 - England vs Australia Schedule and Squads
England managed to draw the match as the only test of the Women's Ashes ended in a thrilling way.