In the day one of the Ashes 4th Test, Australia batted first and lost both the openers soon. Smith who returned after missing out the third Test, started from where he left and joined hands with Labuschagne who replaced Khawaja after his brave show in the second and third Test. During their 100+ partnership, there was a time when the umpires decided to resume the play without the bails.
The day which was reduced to just 44 overs saw some strong winds creating havoc. It was the 32nd over, the winds not only brought in chips covers, beach ball into the ground, it also kept knocking the bails off the stumps.
After a discussion, the umpires decided to dislodge the bails and the match resumed without the bails on either side.
According to Law 8.5, “The umpires may agree to dispense with the use of bails, if necessary. If they agree then no bails shall be used at either end. The use of bails shall be resumed as soon as conditions permit.”
This is not the first time something like this has happened. In 2017, the umpires had to dislodge the bails in the match between Afghanistan and West Indies.
