Sunak backs Stokes in Ashes row as Headingley safety beefed up after stumping drama
The cricketing fury which engulfed the ultimate day of a scintillating Test match has threatened to spill in a full diplomatic row after the prime minister’s intervention on Monday.
Bairstow was stumped in weird circumstances with Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey throwing down the stumps after the batter ducked the ultimate ball of the over and set off to speak to companion Ben Stokes within the obvious perception the over had ended.
The resolution for Australia to not withdraw their attraction was greeted with a sustained barrage of boos and heckles from the 32,000 capability crowd – with the touring workforce then experiencing an unusually confrontational reception from Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) members within the Long Room.
England captain Stokes later stated he wouldn’t “want to win a game in that manner”, including: “If the shoe was on the other foot, I would have a deep think about the whole spirit of the game.”
Stokes made mild of the rowon Monday night, replying to an Australian front-page cartoon that depicted him as a crybaby by writing: “That’s definitely not me, since when did I bowl with the new ball”.
Mr Sunak, a eager cricket fan, weighed into the row on Monday, as his official spokesman stated he agreed with Stokes’ views.
“The Prime Minister agrees with Ben Stokes,” the spokesman informed reporters. “He said he simply wouldn’t want to win a game in the manner Australia did.
“The game did provide an opportunity to see Ben Stokes at his best and it was an incredible test match and he has confidence England will bounce back at Headingley.”
Asked whether or not Mr Sunak believed Australia’s actions weren’t in line with the spirit of cricket, his spokesman stated: “Yes.”
Mr Sunak was at Lord’s on Saturday for the fourth day of the Test match, which reached its conclusion on Sunday with Australia profitable by 43 runs regardless of Stokes’ dramatic innings of 155.
The England skipper appeared galvanised by the dismissal of Bairstow however he in the end failed in his efforts to safe an unlikely victory.
Johnny Bairstow left his crease and was ‘stumped’
/ PAAnger within the crowd on the method of Bairstow’s exit on Sunday spilled over within the normally restrained Long Room at Lord’s, the place Australian gamers Usman Khawaja and David Warner have been concerned in heated exchanges with jeering members.
Australia captain Pat Cummins claimed the response was “abusive and aggressive”, whereas batter Khawaja, who was seen in an indignant trade as he handed by, referred to as it “pretty disrespectful”.
Three people later had their memberships suspended pending an investigation, whereas Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) issued an apology.
Mr Sunak’s spokesman stated: “He thinks it was right that the MCC has taken swift action to suspend any member accused of poor behaviour.”
The Prime Minister was there when injured Australian spinner Nathan Lyon “hobbled out to bat on Saturday, obviously in considerable pain, and he was given a standing ovation by members”, the spokesman stated. “That’s much more in keeping with the spirit of the game.”
Yorkshire is on safety alert for this week’s third Ashes Test at Headingley.
Stokes’ heroics weren’t fairly sufficient
/ Action Images by way of ReutersBen Stokes welcomed the amplified vocal show from these at Lord’s and predicted it could be “ramped up” in Leeds, the place the Western Terrace is famend as one of many liveliest stands within the nation.
Yorkshire are taking the matter of safety significantly as Australia put together for what’s prone to be a partisan and hostile welcome on Thursday.
There can be the potential challenge of Just Stop Oil protesters, following two pitch invaders brandishing yellow paint powder on the primary day at Lord’s.
One man was carried off the pitch by Bairstow, whereas the opposite was blocked by Stokes and David Warner earlier than being apprehended.
“The well-being of players, officials and spectators is paramount, and we are implementing appropriate measures to do everything within our control to keep everyone safe,” a spokesperson for the county informed the PA news company.
“Clearly, some incidents at Lord’s have heightened the interest and exposure of the third Test. We will continue to work closely with both the England and Wales Cricket Board and West Yorkshire Police to ensure our safety measures are proportionate for this fixture.
“The Ashes is a truly special occasion, and we want everybody visiting Headingley to have an incredible time watching first-class cricket at our iconic venue.”