'No excuse': Ben Stokes shredded over 'unforgivable' Ashes blunder
England's nightmare start to the first Ashes Test has gone from bad to worse after David Warner was given a huge lifeline on Thursday morning.
Desperate for early wickets after being bowled out for just 147 on Wednesday, the tourists made a great start when they dismissed Marcus Harris for 3.
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And they appeared to go one better when Warner chopped a delivery onto his stumps after Ben Stokes was introduced into the attack.
However Stokes appeared to realise he'd bowled a no-ball and his head dropped when the on-field umpires asked to check his front foot.
Replays showed Stokes had overstepped by a long margin, meaning Warner was allowed to stay at the crease in a huge reprieve.
Commentators and fans were left in disbelief over the unbelievable blunder.
"Can you believe it? Just how big a moment in the game will that be,” Adam Gilchrist said in commentary for Fox Sports.
Allan Border added: “That’s huge right there. We’re talking about someone with impact.
"Warner is the man and all of a sudden he’s overstepped. Who knows how big a moment that’s going to be.”
Surely Stokes can just set off half a yard behind his marker? Bowl from behind the umpire if you have to. No excuse to be pushing the line #ASHES
— Mark Bromley (@bromWWFC) December 9, 2021
That is unforgivable from Stokes im afraid
— JF (@JMF2693) December 9, 2021
2017 - Curran to Warner (no ball)
2019 - Leach to Smith (no ball)
2021 - Stokes to Warner (no ball)
In a series defined by margins you simply can’t afford to do it.#bbccricket— Henry Moeran (@henrymoeranBBC) December 9, 2021
Oh no Ben Stokes... can't be doing that. #Ashes
— Jake Benoiton (@JakeBenoiton) December 9, 2021
Okay... y'all are seriously trying to give us England supporters PTSD here? 🥴#Ashes
— Nick Gazerro: Part 2 (@nikgazcs2) December 9, 2021
That is shocking bowling from stokes, wtf #ashes
— St. NickaDan 🎅🏻 (@AussieGeckotv) December 9, 2021
England vow to fight back after batting collapse
England vowed to fight back and keep the first Test alive after a batting horror show on the first day at the Gabba.
The visitors were rolled for 147 in the space of two lopsided sessions on Wednesday.
A 52-run stand between Ollie Pope (35) and Jos Buttler (39) proved the only notable resistance as Australia wrapped up the innings in 50.1 overs.
Wet weather ruined Wednesday's final session, ensuring there was no awkward burst for Warner and Harris to face under lights.
Past players from Australia and England have already criticised Joe Root's decision to bat first, the tourists' bold call to snub Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad and some brittle batting.
Pope urged pundits not to judge conditions until both sides batted at the Gabba.
"It wasn't always the easiest to score on," Pope said.
"This pitch supposedly gets a bit quicker and keeps carrying, so it'll be interesting to see how it plays.
"We've definitely got the skill set to drag it back and hopefully go big in the second dig.
"We're going to keep fighting. We're going to come back stronger."
The sight of Burns' disturbed leg stump proved as good a tone-setting delivery as Mitchell Starc could hope for, marking just the second time an Ashes series has started with a wicket.
"Obviously it wasn't the ideal start, but looking forward I know what Burnsy is like. He's a competitor," Pope said.
"He'll be back fighting.
"I wouldn't say that's a massive dent in our confidence."
with AAP
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