Lineker makes cheeky touch upon Lord’s Just Stop Oil protest as England slammed

Gary Lineker has jokingly requested if the Just Stop Oil protesters can bowl for England as Ben Stokes‘ facet struggled on the primary day of the second Ashes Test. The match was briefly delayed shortly after play commenced on Wednesday and the Match of the Day presenter has taken a dig at England’s efficiency.

Three protesters ran onto the Lord’s outfield only one over into the day’s play. Orange powder was thrown however the gamers prevented any of the substance from getting on the 22-yard strip.

Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow took issues into his personal palms and carried one of many protesters off the pitch. Stokes additionally stopped one other from getting onto the wicket.

Groundstaff hoovered up the powder earlier than play might re-commence a number of minutes later. The Metropolitan Police have made three arrests for what has turn into a standard protest at sporting occasions.

England had chosen to area first after dropping the primary Test at Edgbaston final week. The hosts have been hoping for a constructive begin as they try and win again the Urn.

However, there was only one wicket earlier than lunch and only a additional one by the tea interval regardless of beneficial bowling circumstances. Lineker could not assist himself from making a jibe in direction of the under-performing England workforce.

He responded to a tweet which reported the incident from earlier within the day. He joked: “Can he bowl please?”, referring to one of many protesters.

Australia have been rampant at 190-2 on the time of Lineker’s tweet. The vacationers’ two greatest batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have been placing England to the sword.

England did get a wicket shortly after tea when Ollie Robinson had Labuschagne caught behind. That solely introduced Travis Head to the crease, who scored a blistering 77 off simply 73 balls.

Former captain Joe Root, taking part in as England’s sole spinner, got here up with the products late on to get each Head and Cameron Green within the house of 4 balls. But it was very a lot Australia’s day after being inserted as they reached 339-5, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 85.

Perhaps to England’s aid, the foremost story would be the protest from the morning session. The Met Police confirmed in an announcement that arrests had been made.

The assertion learn: “We are aware of protesters on the Lord’s Cricket Ground pitch today, Wednesday, 28 June. Police have arrested three people and taken them into custody. Updates to follow.”