Ian Botham, Simon Taufel react to Chris Woakes' no ball controversy

England pacer Chris Woakes seemed to be a delighted man after dismissing Australian wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test match in Hobart. However, his celebrations were short-lived as replays showed that he had stepped over the line. However, it was a tight call and could have gone either way.

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Several former cricketers gave their views on the matter and many of them were not pleased with the ball being deemed as no-ball. Sir Ian Botham was not amused and felt that there was no conclusive evidence to call it a no ball.

"I do not see that as (a) conclusive (no-ball) in any way, shape or form. That boot there is on the ground and that for me is just behind", said the legendary English all-rounder Ian Botham during Seven commentary.

"I do not see that as (a) conclusive (no-ball) in any way, shape or form. That boot there is on the ground and that for me is just behind." - Ian Botham



"I think it depends what change room you're sitting in for that one." - Ricky Ponting#Ashes https://t.co/3WFZTmJlH0

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 16, 2022

Ian Botham found support in five-time Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel, who said he would not have given that a no ball had he been the third umpire.

"I'm sitting at home looking at those pictures and if they're the pictures the third umpire is seeing, I don't think that I'd overrule that and call that a no-ball."



- Simon Taufel #Ashes pic.twitter.com/PEPuYfrOCN

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 16, 2022

Chris Woakes bowled Alex Carey on 19 when the latter played a limp shot and dragged the ball to his stumps. Woakes and England celebrated in ecstasy before replays showed that the bowler was tight on the front line. The third umpire Paul Reiffel went through multiple angles before calling it a no-ball.

The visitors were disappointed as Carey's stay at the crease was prolonged. Alex Carey went on to add 30 more runs before being dismissed by Stuart Broad. He top-scored for the Aussies as they were dismissed for 155 to set England a target of 271 runs for registering a consolation win in this Test series.

After a solid start, England collapsed late in the day to lose the game by 146 runs.