Steve Smith avoids controversial moment against Afghanistan with classy appeal withdrawal

Steve Smith showed his class against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy as he withdrew an appeal which could've caused a controversial moment.

After Nathan Ellis bowled his last delivery in the 47th over, tail-ender Noor Ahmed appeared to have wandered out of his crease early.

Wicket-keeper Josh Inglis took the bails as Noor was walking out of his crease before the throw had reached him before he appealed.

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Replays showed Ellis grabbing his cap from umpire Alex Wharf as the throw was coming in which appeared to suggest over had been called.

The square leg umpire Kumar Dharmasena then signalled to the third umpire.

However, Smith then rushed to Dharmasena and called for a withdrawal.

"It was a case of over, and you take it for over and then walk off," former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa said on Amazon Prime's coverage.

"The ball hadn't got to the keeper and the keeper's gone hold on you can't go strolling off, howzat. Steve Smith goes, no, that was done, move along."

"Steve Smith, he had the option, he asked for it first then he denied it," Ian Bishop added later.

Afghanistan were 8-248 at the time and were eventually bowled out for 273.