Eion Morgan and Steve Smith are fighting are fighting over Ben Stokes dismissal

The incident of Ben Stokes being dismissed for obstructing the field has compelled the captains of the both teams Steve Smith and Eion Morgan to prove their point on the incident.

Steve Smith, the Australian captain, said England batsman Ben stokes was “blatantly out” and he did not regret appealing for his dismissal in the one-day internationals at Lord’s.

“If you are out of your crease and put your hand up to stop the ball, it is out,” said Smith after 64 runs win at The Lord’s.

Smith was asked, did he consider to withdraw the appeal, “”Not at all. I’ve got no dramas with that. “I thought it was the right decision at the time and I still think it’s the right decision.” 

Steve Smith, Australia captain

Contrary to Smith, England captain Eion Morgan said if he was at Smith’s position  he would have withdrawn the appeal. Stokes is the England second England batsman who got out for obstructing the field.

Starc bowled a fuller length delivery to Ben Stokes, who drove the ball back to Starc, the bowler fielded the ball in follow-through and threw at the striker’s end in an attempt to run him out. Stokes handled the ball as he turned back to regain his ground.

Smith chose not to withdraw Starc’s appeal. Two on-field umpires Kumar Dharmesena and Tim Robinson referred the decision television umpire Joel Wilson recommended that stokes be given out.

Steve Smith said, “It might have looked a bit worse because it went back to the bowler, but it’s exactly the same as me  turning for a second run, putting my arm out and stopping the ball.

The ball wasn’t going to hit him, he was out of his crease, he put his arm out and got in the way of the ball. The ball was going very close to hitting the stumps.

Smith, said this is their right to appeal, and umpire found correct, so they have given out.

England captain Eoin Morgan was at the non-striker’s end when the incident happened. He said what could Stokes do besides halting the ball.

“A guy throws the ball in your direction and all you can do is flinch,” said Morgan, who made 85 as England were bowled out for 245 chasing 310 to win.

“You don’t have time to think. It was a natural reaction to avoid the ball. Mitchell Starc was about five yards away from Ben Stokes. The decision was made. It would have been a lot different if we were fielding.”