Out, not-out, out: England secure bizarre run-out in Oval victory

During England's series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI at the Oval, an unusual umpiring decision occurred. Pavan Rathnayake was given out, not out, and then ultimately out again. The incident happened in the 15th over of Sri Lanka's run-chase, when Charith Asalanka played a shot to Liam Dawson at short third man.

Archer, the fielder, threw the ball at the keeper's end, and Rathnayake was far from his ground when the LED lights on the stumps and bails flashed. Initially, Rob White, the square-leg umpire, ruled Rathnayake out without waiting for input from TV umpire Adrian Holdstock. However, Holdstock consulted with standing umpire Wayne Knights and later reversed his decision, with "not out" displayed on the big screen at The Oval.

After a further 90 seconds of deliberation, White declared Rathnayake out for 18 runs. The decision took about four minutes to reach, but it was ultimately correct. The incident occurred because Archer's throw dislodged the stump entirely, breaking the wicket according to MCC Laws 29.2.1.1 and 29.2.1.6. Both Tom Banton, Player of the Match, and Mark Butcher, a former England batter, expressed their astonishment at never witnessing such a situation before. MCC is expected to clarify the decision in the coming days.