5 controversial decisions taken by the third umpire 

#2 Ben Stokes gets unlucky taking evasive action (2015)

England’s ODI resurgence started in the year 2015. After winning the Ashes (3-2) and the one-off T20I, England lost the first ODI by 59 runs. Australia for the second successive game, Australia scored over 300 batting first.

Chasing 310, England started well and reached the 100-run mark in the 18th over. But James Taylor’s dismissal in the 22nd over put England in a bit of trouble. Ben Stokes joined skipper Eoin Morgan and started well. The duo looked to put England’s innings back on track before a back controversial decision was made.

Mitchell Starc was into his fifth over and Ben Stokes was batting in 10 (of 7 balls). On the fourth delivery of the over (25th of the innings), Starc bowled a full delivery at 145 kmph and it was driven back to him by Stokes who was on the front-foot and the momentum took him outside the crease.

Starc saw that and fired the ball back at the stumps. Stokes in a bid to get back to the crease took evasive action and stuck his left hand out. The ball hit his gloves (in the palm region) and he was still outside the crease. The Aussies appealed for obstructing the field. The two on-field umpires took the matter to the third umpire.

Joel Wilson was the third umpire and he took a long close look at the replays. And a bit of deliberation, he ruled the batsman out stating there was conclusive evidence that Stokes obstructed the field. The England camp was very unhappy with the decision and skipper Eoin Morgan who was batting out in the middle had a lengthy conversation with the umpires as well.

This controversial decision went against England as they lost the game by 64 runs and at the end of the game both captains had different opinions about the controversial dismissal of Stokes.