Was England's Harry Brook the victim of an incorrect no-ball call during DRS review in fifth Ashes Test loss to Australia?

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The 2025/26 NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series down under was one to forget for England, as they were soundly beaten 4-1 by Australia. The margin of victory did not flatter the hosts, but there were moments when England failed to seize the initiative and also fell victim to some controversial decisions. Watch England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka live on TNT Sports and discovery+

‘Partnership is broken’ - Brook falls LBW to Webster

Video credit: TNT Sports

England crashed to a 4-1 defeat to Australia in the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes, as big moments in the series went against them.

It is tough to argue that the hosts were not deserved winners - in the words of former England captain Sir Alastair Cook "Australia won all the big moments".

England were also poor in moments, and a thorough review of their tour down under is set to get underway.

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But Ben Stokes’ side were also unfortunate on occasions, such as the controversy around the Snicko technology that saw them lose wickets in dubious circumstances, and not claim them in others.

And following the fifth Test, which Australia won by five wickets after a mid-innings wobble in their run chase, further controversy reared its head.

Harry Brook, who arrived in Australia as the world’s No. 2 Test batter but left with questions to answer after some questionable shot choices and a fine for a nightclub incident, lost his wicket at a huge moment in the second innings of the fifth Test.

'Brydon Carse livid' - More DRS controversy has England raging

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With Brook and Jacob Bethell enjoying a fruitful partnership and Australia toiling, the hosts’ skipper Steven Smith turned to the part-time spin of Beau Webster.

Webster found sharp turn on a wearing SCG surface, and appealed for LBW after rapping Brook on the pads.

Umpire Chris Gaffaney ruled it not out, but Smith elected for a review.

On TNT Sports commentary, Jason Gillespie said the review came at "an interesting moment in the game".

The Australians did not look confident in their huddle, but were jubilant a short while later as ball tracking showed the ball would have clattered into leg stump and Brook had to depart for 42.

But a sleuth at Code Sports spotted that Webster’s back foot had cut the return crease.

MCC Law 21.5.1 states "the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery."

TV umpire Kumar Dharmasena did not spot the transgression and Brook had to return to the pavilion.

There is no knowing whether the decision had an impact on the outcome of the match, but Brook was well set alongside Bethell with England at 219-3.

Given Bethell went on to make a brilliant 154, England could have set Australia a far more challenging target than the 160 they had to chase on the final day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia reached their target for the loss of five wickets, but were wobbling at one stage when Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne fell in quick succession to leave them at 121-5.

Highlights: Australia overcome wobble to wrap up 4-1 Ashes victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

Alex Carey and Cameron Green put on a 40-run partnership at a time when England sniffed a chance, but that chance would have been far greater had they been able to post a target in excess of 200 runs.

We will never know whether that could have happened had Brook not been given out, but in a series of moments it was undoubtedly a big one that went against the tourists.

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Watch England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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