England captain Ben Stokes hands Steve Smith a massive let-off after he dropped one-handed catch while celebrating in yet another dramatic Ashes moment that left fans split

England were denied a crucial Ashes wicket when captain Ben Stokes dropped a one-handed catch when already celebrating.

In yet another moment that divided the opinion of cricket fans during a dramatic series, Stokes gave Australian batter Steve Smith a huge reprieve as the tourists pursued 384 for a 3-1 win.

But debate raged over whether Stokes was in control of the ball sufficiently to complete the catch before he dropped it to the turf.

It appeared that Stokes was about to throw the ball into the air in celebration of the prize wicket after it looped up off Smith’s gloves off Moeen Ali’s bowling and he grabbed it above his head.

It was given not out by umpire Joel Wilson, cutting loud celebrations short at The Oval, with Stokes appearing to accept he’d dropped it right away instead of completing the catch.

Ben Stokes appeared to have taken an outstanding one-handed catch above his head after the ball looped off the gloves of Australian batter Steve Smith

Stokes appeared to have the ball safely in his hands as Smith looked back ruefully and England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow (right) began to celebrate

But as Stokes started to celebrate, he lost control of the ball as it fell to the turf

Stokes seemed to know immediately that the catch wouldn’t count as it was reviewed

Stokes and the England team wait around nervously for the verdict on the dropped catch

Stokes’s hand appeared to brush his thigh as he went to throw the ball into the air, causing him to lose control of it.  

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook said on Test Match Special: ‘Absolutely the right decision from the umpires, he didn’t have it under control to have the catch.’

More to follow.