Australia batsman Steve Smith was finally dismissed before he was sensationally recalled in a potentially series-defining moment on day two of the fourth Ashes Tests against England.
The imperious ex-skipper was on 118 when he edged spinner Jack Leach to third-Test hero Ben Stokes who took a classy catch at first slip.
Smith began the long walk back to the Old Trafford pavilion before the third umpire spotted a no-ball and recalled the world’s No.1 ranked batsman.
It was a calamitous error from Leach, with replays clearly showing no part of his front foot was behind the popping crease.
MORE: Steve Smith punishes Jofra Archer with Old Trafford century
UNBELIEVABLE! England can't help but keep Smith in.
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) September 5, 2019
WATCH: @Channel9 and @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/ARaHMPPTti #9WWOS #Ashes pic.twitter.com/KXEdJdmg9s
It was Smith’s second reprieve of the innings after Jofra Archer grassed a caught-and-bowled chance when the Australian superstar was on 65.
Cricket fans couldn't quite believe what they had just seen as Smith moved past 150 to compound England's misery.
@stevesmith49 has scored his eighth test 150 off 237 balls! The summer of Steve continues in England. He has scored 33 since @jackleach1991 dismissed Smith on a front foot no ball. @CricketAus captain is closing in on 50 at the other end. 338/5. #Ashes2019
— A Couch in Melbourne (@CouchMelbourne) September 5, 2019
England thought they had Steve Smith out and a spinner, of all things, bowled a no ball and he was called back to the crease.
— Shane H (@HoneysettS) September 5, 2019
You don't give Steve Smith another chance, he hardly gets out once😟🙈
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 5, 2019
Dropped catch of Paine, then wicket of Smith of a no ball. England making it hard for themselves!!!#ashes #ENGvAUS #leechnoball #smith #jasonroy
Steve Smith faces on average 98 balls per innings in test cricket. So I think that makes it a 1 in 107,782 chance that Smith would be out to a no ball from Leach. Ouch!
— Alex Joynson (@alex_joynson) September 5, 2019