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Dead ball that came alive: Revisiting Jonny Bairstow's run-out that redefined Ashes folklore

Akshita Patel

Jonny Bairstow's famous run-out [Source: AFP Photos]Jonny Bairstow's famous run-out [Source: AFP Photos]

There are moments in Ashes history that stay etched forever, and the bizarre run-out of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023 features in that category. This was not due to an extraordinary ball, an astonishing catch or a magnificent innings.

Rather, it was simply a moment of uncertainty, quick-thinking, and quite a lot of controversy; the ultimate ingredients for an Ashes saga.

It happened on the final day of the second Test. England were chasing a stiff total of 371, and the match was still balanced on a knife-edge. 

When a false dead ball caused a storm at the Lord’s

Jonny Bairstow, with his counter-attacking style, had just ducked a bouncer from Cameron Green. The ball settled safely into Alex Carey’s gloves, and Bairstow casually wandered out of his crease, assuming the ball was dead. 

But it wasn’t. Carey, alert and opportunistic, spotted a window. Before Bairstow could fully step away, he rolled the ball underarm at the stumps and struck a direct hit. 

The Australians appealed immediately. The English crowd gasped, and Jonny Bairstow looked stunned, more confused than angry. 

The umpires went upstairs, and the replays were clear. Bairstow was out of his crease, and the ball was still in play. Hence, out flashed on the screens.

What followed was pure Ashes theatre. The Lord’s crowd erupted, booing the Australians for what they saw as a violation of the “spirit of cricket.” 

Members of the MCC shouted at the Aussie players through the Long Room, an almost unheard-of breach of decorum. 

England’s dressing room looked furious. Ben Stokes amped up his batting, almost as if fuelled by the controversy, smashing a heroic 155 that nearly pulled off the impossible. 

The Aussies were defiant citing MCC laws

Australia defended their decision firmly, insisting it was entirely within the law, and they were right. Although England's players would argue it was legal, it wasn't the spirit of the game. 

The debate exploded everywhere, be it on TV panels, social media, pub discussions, or even commentary boxes. 

The moment was one of the defining flashpoints of the Ashes 2023. An already dramatic series was filled with more tension and narrative, and fire was added.

Even today, the incident is talked about with the same passion as Bodyline or the Hand of God, because it wasn’t just a dismissal. It was a clash of philosophies, interpretations, and emotions.