Steve Smith run-out reprieve leaves England facing narrow first-inning deficit

CLOSE RUN THING: Steve Smith dives for his ground as he survives being run out. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA

England’s hopes of squaring the Ashes might have turned on the tiniest of margins at the Kia Oval as Australia’s Steve Smith came desperately close to being run out by substitute fielder George Ealham in a pivotal moment in the fifth Test.

Australia were 295 all out off the final ball of the second day, 12 runs ahead, as Smith rode his luck to top-score with 71 following a scare just after tea.