England skipper Ben Stokes and Australia Skipper Pat Cummins were divided by their opinions on the controversial run-out of Jonny Bairstow in the crucial moments of the game, which turned the tides in the favour of the Baggy Greens on the final day. Aussies lead the series 2-0 in the away series and they will look to win the series in England after 21 years.
The second test of the high-octane Ashes series promised to be more drama on and off the field following the crucial wicket of Jonny Bairstow on the final day. The England wicket-keeper walked off the crease after the short ball assuming the ball was dead, just before the Australian wicket-keeper directed the ball toward the stumps to dismiss Bairstow, which sparked a wide range of controversy.
Speaking to the Broadcasters after the completion of the game, Ben Stokes was not happy with the Australian team over their decision on the controversial run of Jonny Bairstow, as he does not intend to run after the ball and spoke briefly on the spirit of the game, stating that he doesn’t want to win the game on that manner.
“My thoughts around it is, when is it justified that umpires have called ‘over’? Does the square-leg umpire making some movement justify that? Jonny Bairstow was in his crease and then came out to have a chat in the middle. I’m not disputing if it was out, it was.”
“If the shoe was on the other foot, I would’ve had to think about the whole spirit of the game. But it has happened, it was out. We have to move on… Do I want to win in that manner? No,” Ben Stokes said.
England players and fans were furious about the Australian act on the field to dismiss Jonny Bairstow in that manner on the field, with Stuart Broad having a heated conversation with the Australian players on the field followed by the Abuses of the Lord’s members on their way to the dressing room.
I Thought It Was Totally Fair Play – Pat Cummins On Jonny Bairstow’s Dismissal
Australian skipper Pat Cummins defended his wicket-keeper Alex Carey over the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, stating that he had noted the pattern of Bairstow walking down the crease before the ball was dead and believes that it is a completely fair play by his team, which some people may disagree.
“I think Carey saw it happen a few balls previously, three or four balls previously, and there’s no pause, catch it, straightaway and throw at the stumps. I thought it was totally fair play. That’s how the rule is. Some people might disagree. That’s how I saw it,” Pat Cummins said.
Australia has retained the past three editions of the prestigious Ashes, winning two series in Australia but defeating England on their home soil remains a formidable challenge for the Baggy Greens. The Aussies will fancy their chance to win at least one game of the last three games to clinch the historic win on England soil.