UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Calls Out Australia for Breaching the Spirit of Cricket
Bairstow was stumped by Alex Carey [AP Photo]
Pat Cummins led Australia extended their lead to 2–0 in the ongoing five-match Test series after defeating England by 43 runs in the second Test at Lord’s. While the second Test was full of action and drama, one of the biggest talking points of that match was the dramatic dismissal of England wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow.
It all happened in the 52nd over of England's run-chase when Cameron Green fired a bouncer at Bairstow, who dodged it successfully but misinterpreted the umpire's call, thinking it was an over and started moving towards Ben Stokes, who was at the non-striker's end.
Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey showed his game awareness and capitalized on the opportunity to dislodge the stumps. Bairstow looked perplexed as the Australian players appealed for a dismissal, and eventually, he had to return to the pavilion after the third umpire referred him out upon reviewing the replays.
This dismissal has sparked a massive controversy. Although it is within the laws of the game, the England players and camp believe it goes against the spirit of cricket. Ben Stokes even went on to say that if they were in Australia's position, they wouldn't have resorted to such tactics to win a game.
Amid the heated controversy, Ben Stokes has garnered backing from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who echoes his sentiments. Prime Minister's official spokesperson issued a statement on behalf of the head of State, which reads:
“The Prime Minister agrees with Ben Stokes. He said he simply wouldn't want to win a game in the manner Australia did. But the game did provide an opportunity to see Ben Stokes at his best and it was an incredible test match. He has confidence that England will bounce back at Headingley (in the Third Test starting on Thursday.”
Furthermore, when he was asked about whether Australia were out of line with the spirit of cricket he replied, "Yes." The Prime Minister also appreciated MCC's efforts to impose sanctions on the members who exhibited poor conduct towards Usman Khawaja at Lord’s.
"He thinks it was right that the MCC have taken swift action to suspend any member accused of poor behaviour."
Before the ongoing Ashes series, there was extensive discussion about England's shift towards a more aggressive style of play and their ‘Bazball’ approach which reaped them huge success. However, the World Test Champions countered all the chatter by securing consecutive wins against the Three Lions in the first two matches.
With the series on a knife's edge, England and Australia will go head-to-head in the third Test at Headingley Leeds, beginning on July 6. While the visitors will strive to clinch a win and retain the Ashes urn, England will fight to prevent Australia from gaining an unassailable lead.
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