‘Biggest load of rubbish’: Starc catch controversy fires up McGrath as Aussies on verge of victory after Lyon’s heroic knock

Australia are within touching distance of a famous win at Lord’s and a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series after Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins routed England’s top order on the fourth evening.

But a controversial disallowed catch from Mitchell Starc to remove half-centurion Ben Duckett in the dying minutes of the day has left the hosts still with a fighting chance of a remarkable victory, the opener adding 69 runs with captain Ben Stokes to see England to stumps at 4/114, with 257 still needed.

Starc claimed a low catch at fine leg to seemingly remove Duckett for 50, but third umpire Marais Erasmus ruled that the left-armer had grounded the ball before being in full control of his body, recalling the batter to the crease.

“I’m sorry that is the biggest load of rubbish I have ever seen. He has got that ball under control,” former Australian quick Glenn McGrath said on BBC commentary. “That ball is under control. I’ve seen everything this game has to offer. If that is not out, then every other catch that’s ever been taken should not be out. That is a disgrace.”

Ricky Ponting was also bemused.