Ashes 2023: Glenn McGrath has branded the decision to rule out Mitchell Starc’s attempted catch of Ben Duckett “the biggest load of rubbish” he has seen.

The moment caused significant debate, with Starc catching the ball cleanly to begin with before pressing the ball into the turf as he slid. A statement from the MCC clarified that the right decision was reached, but McGrath, speaking on BBC Test Match Special, was incensed.

“I’m sorry, that is the biggest load of rubbish I have ever seen,” he said. He has got that ball under control. That ball is under control. I’m sorry, I’ve seen everything this game has to offer. If that is not out, then every other catch that’s ever been taken should be not out. That is a disgrace. I’ve seen everything now. I cannot believe that. If that ball is not under control, that is ridiculous. He’s got that well under control in two hands. I have seen everything now.”

McGrath’s rant took on a conspiratorial tone, suggesting that if the teams were reversed, a different decision would have been reached. He also stated that the ruling was tantamount to accusing Starc of cheating. “If that’s England taking that catch, that’s out,” he said. “That’s ridiculous. I cannot believe that. That is a regulation catch. If I’m bowling, I’m not happy. The ground had no assistance in him catching that ball. He’s having a go at Duckett. I’d be having a go at everyone if I was Mitchell Starc. That’s basically saying Mitchell Starc is cheating. And he did not cheat, he caught that comfortably. If you catch it in your hand, you have control.”

Duckett and Ben Stokes took England to stumps four down, with a further 257 runs required for victory.

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