Buttler drops Smith one ball after taking a stunning catch in second Ashes Test

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler took an excellent catch to dismiss Marcus Harris, but dropped an easier chance off Steve Smith the next ball

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England rue missed chances on first day of second Test

England star Jos Buttler has had a difficult Test match so far, dropping Marnus Labuschagne twice in Australia ‘s first innings and then getting out for a 15-ball duck.

He did take a stunning catch to dismiss Marcus Harris on day one and produced another excellent grab to get him out on day four.

The commentator on host broadcaster Fox said: “That’s a good catch this time by Buttler. That’s top shelf, this is what England needs. Harris goes and the tourists have got their tails up.”

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne added: “We’ve seen two absolute screamers from Jos Buttler.

“We saw the one down the leg side to get rid of Harris [in the first innings] and then this one. Wrong-footed, had to jump left and it just stuck in the webbing. That’s a terrific catch from Jos Buttler.”

However, just one delivery later, Buttler dropped yet another catch, shelling Steve Smith first ball.

“I can’t believe Jos Buttler’s dropped that,” said Brett Lee.

“Just imagine how he was feeling after he took Harris and then the next ball – how quickly things can change in this game,” added Warne.

Smith also survived an incredibly close LBW shout from Stuart Broad the following ball.

After getting trapped on the crease, Broad began to wheel away in one of his trademark celebrappeals, only for umpire Rod Tucker to give it not out.

England promptly reviewed the decision, but Hawkeye deemed the ball to be umpire’s call on impact, meaning Smith survived.

Earlier in the day, James Anderson bowled nightwatchman Michael Neser for three, with Australia falling 48-1 to 48-3 when Smith walked to the crease.

Ben Stokes was left to captain England on day four after Joe Root picked up an injury in the warm-ups.

A statement from the ECB read: “England captain Joe Root will not be on the field at the start of play today after being hit in the abdomen during throw downs in the warm-up before play. He is currently being assessed by the England medical team.”