Sunak responds as England cricket star carries Just Stop Oil protestor of pitch

Displaying his agility, Bairstow swiftly lifted one of many protesters off their toes and escorted them past the boundary earlier than handing them over to stewards. His decisive intervention possible prevented a big delay had the paint reached the pitch.

The different intruder, who caught the eye of England captain Ben Stokes, was intercepted by safety personnel, whereas one other particular person was apprehended within the stands. All three have been subsequently arrested.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: “These sorts of selfish, guerrilla tactics that target events bringing joy to millions are exactly why the Government brought in new powers so the police can take swift action. The Prime Minister is pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow, and other England players who stepped in.”

Downing Street acknowledged that the scenario at Lord’s was “unusual” when requested whether or not residents ought to emulate Bairstow’s response to coping with protesters.

In a dialog on BBC‘s Test Match Special, commentator Jonathan Agnew remarked: “Jonny Bairstow’s dander was up there, he was like a flanker. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again, let’s hope that’s the one attack on the Ashes this year.”

Although broadcasters kept away from highlighting the incident, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting made a playful reference throughout the morning session, joking on Sky Sports: “I didn’t want to say anything, but the one chance that’s come Jonny’s way, he’s held on to so far.”

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, strongly criticised the people concerned. Guy Lavender, the MCC’s chief government, said: “MCC condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s pitch incursion and the behaviour of the protesters involved. Their actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground but they have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events, not just here at Lord’s but around the country at other sporting venues.”

This just isn’t the primary time Just Stop Oil protesters have induced disturbances. They beforehand delayed England’s arrival for his or her Test match towards Ireland on June 1 by blocking the group coach exterior their Kensington lodge.

Just Stop Oil, the activist group liable for the intrusion, shared on Twitter: “At 11 am, three Just Stop Oil supporters stormed the pitch at Lord’s Cricket Ground in a cloud of orange powder paint and disrupted the #Ashes2023 Second Test between England and Australia.”

In one other occasion, Just Stop Oil protesters disrupted the Gallagher Premiership remaining between Saracens and Sale at Twickenham final month when two people carrying the group’s T-shirts invaded the pitch throughout the first half and threw orange paint powder earlier than being eliminated. The same incident occurred on the World Snooker Championship on the Crucible in April.

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