The contentious removal of England batsman Jonny Bairstow in the 2nd Ashes Test sparked debates over the balance between the spirit of the game and the rules. Australian players faced inquiries and criticism from Lords, who questioned the spirit of cricket. The Lord’s crowd reacted with chants and booing, expressing their disapproval of the Australians’ cheating.
Jonny Bairstow’s divisive removal
Lord’s changed attitude towards the removal of Jonny Bairstow; Australian players underwent questioning in Long Room, and competing players expressed dissatisfaction.
The dismissal of Jonny Bairstow reignited the argument
The contentious removal of England batsman Jonny Bairstow in the 2nd Ashes Test on Sunday reignited the debate over the balance between the spirit of the game and the rules. After walking out of his crease after dodging a Cameron Green bouncer, Bairstow got out when Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps.
However, Australia was happy to move forward with a highly contentious appeal despite the confusion in the middle, where Bairstow appeared to believe the ball was dead at the end of the over.
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The field-umpires call the TV umpire to examine the dismissal
The umpires sent the verdict to the TV umpire Marais Erasmus, who decided Bairstow’s dismissal for a stumping. Following Bairstow’s departure, England captain Ben Stokes hit 155 to give his team hope of a stunning victory. However, Australia eventually prevailed by 43 runs to take a 2-0 series lead as they sought to defend the Ashes.
Australian players experienced inquiries
After that, Lord’s had a different attitude towards the removal. The Australian players underwent questioning in the Long Room, and some comments made by competing players indicated that they were not happy.
Australian Captain Response
The subject appeared several times in the press conference that followed the game. Do you think there is such a thing as the spirit of cricket? A reporter posed a question to Pat Cummins.
The captain of Australia answered, “Yep.”
“Do you think we’re in danger of seeing Mankads or under-arm bowling in this series after Baistow’s removal today, which was against the essence of the laws, just mentioning it publicly?” he was asked.
“Well, it depends on how flat the pitches become. It might be a choice to consider,” Cummins responded.
Lord’s crowd vocal response
In the meantime, Bairstow was furious, and the typically subdued Lord’s crowd reacted by chanting, “Same old Aussies always cheating,” while booing reverberated throughout the famed old arena for several minutes.
“That’s the most awful incident I’ve witnessed in cricket,” Broad further remarked to Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia.
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