Ben Stokes attracts large cheer as he speaks on Jonny Bairstow controversy
Ben Stokes drew large cheers from the Lord’s crowd when discussing Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal after England‘s defeat to Australia within the second Ashes Test on Sunday. The England ace was run out after incomes 10 runs by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who rattled the stumps when Bairstow walked out of his crease after ducking a bouncer from Cameron Green.
The incident sparked no scarcity of controversy as Australia didn’t withdraw their enchantment, resulting in questions over whether or not they had acted within the spirit of the sport. The booing at Lord’s become cheers throughout Stokes’ post-match interview with Sky Sports, although, because the England skipper criticised Australia’s conduct regardless of the legality of Bairstow’s dismissal based on the rulebook.
“I think if the shoe was on the other foot I’d have had to have a deep think about the spirit of the game,” mentioned Stokes, who produced a superb knock to succeed in 155 earlier than he was caught by Carey off Josh Hazelwood. “Would I want to win a game in that manner? For me the answer is no.”
Australia captain Pat Cummins was additionally requested concerning the controversial incident and jumped to the defence of Carey, who he praised for noticing that Bairstow had an inclination to depart his crease early.
“I think Alex saw it happen a few balls previously,” mentioned Cummins. “There was no pause. Catch it, straight away have a throw at the stumps. I thought it was totally fair play.
“That’s how the rule is. I do know some individuals would possibly disagree. Just just like the catch yesterday [from Mitchell Starc, given not out due to the ball touching the grass]. That’s how I noticed it.”
Bairstow’s dismissal was one of several fiery moments on the final day at Lord’s, with Australia batsman Usman Khawaja later confronting a spectator in the Long Room as the players headed to lunch. The 36-year-old took exception to the hostile reception his team were given and needed to be dragged away by security as tensions rose at the Home of Cricket.
Cricket Australia have since demanded an investigation into several incidents involving spectators in the members’ area, while the Marylebone Cricket Club were quick to issue an apology by way of an official statement.
They said: “We have unreservedly apologised to the Australian staff and can take care of any member who has not maintained the usual we count on by our disciplinary processes. It was not essential to eject anybody from the bottom.”