The first Ashes at Gabba got marred by controversy on Day 2 as only one no-ball was called out of the 14 bowled by England all-rounder Ben Stokes.

It all happened as TV umpire did not get help from the technology that assists in checking the front foot on every delivery. It was later reported that the equipment used for the same had broken down.

The one delivery of Stokes that was called no-ball was the one that cleaned up David Warner when the Australian opener was on 17. Warner got the reprieve as TV replays confirmed that the bowler’s front foot had landed in front of the popping crease.

TV replays also showed his 13 other deliveries would also have been no-balls. Since Stokes was not being called for those no-balls, he was not able to correct his run-up.

Under International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, the third umpire in World Test Championship matches is supposed to check every delivery for a no-ball. However, the officials had reverted to the protocols used before the technology existed at Gabba because of the equipment malfunction.

Unless the equipment can be repaired or replaced, the on-field umpires will signal a no-ball if they see it but the position of the front foot will only be checked by the third umpire after the fall of a wicket.

Unfortunately for England, David Warner made the most of the reprieve as he went on to score 94 in Australia’s first innings.

Coming to the match, the hosts were 308/7 after 77 overs, extending their first-innings lead to 161 runs. On Day 1, the visitors were bowled out for a paltry 147 with no batter touching the 40-run mark. Skipper Pat Cummins was the stand-out bowler for Australia, returning with the figures of 5/38 in his 13.1 overs.

(With Reuters inputs)