Australia continues to dominate in the Ashes 2023 after winning the second Test against England on Sunday. However, the controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal on Day 5 has ignited a social media frenzy, with cricket fans questioning Australia’s sportsmanship and accusing them of violating the spirit of the game.
The intensity of the anger stems from the fact that Bairstow’s wicket was a turning point in the match, leading to Ben Stokes taking unnecessary risks and eventually losing his wicket. Social media is divided, with some condemning the dismissal as against the spirit of the game, while others share videos highlighting instances of England’s questionable behavior.
Jonny Bairstow’s Dismissal: The Controversy
In the 52nd over, with England at 193/6 and captain Ben Stokes playing a remarkable innings, Cameron Green bowled to Jonny Bairstow. Bairstow chose to leave the ball, which went to wicket-keeper Alex Carey. At this point, Bairstow glanced at his feet inside the crease and then moved ahead, assuming the over was over and attempting to change strike.
However, Carey quickly decided to stump Bairstow, despite it being clear that Bairstow was heading towards the other end of the pitch. Bairstow was left bewildered as Australian players celebrated the dismissal. The decision was sent to the third umpire, who ruled Bairstow out.
Reactions from Fans
The manner in which Bairstow was dismissed triggered immediate anger from the English crowd, who booed the Australians. On social media, cricket fans expressed outrage, accusing the Australians of unfair play.
“In my opinion, when can umpires call ‘over’? Should the movement of the square-leg umpire be the determining factor? Bairstow was in his crease and then went to have a chat in the middle. I’m not disputing that it was out, because it was. If the situation was reversed, I would have to consider the spirit of the game. But it happened, it was out. We just have to move on… Do I want to win in that manner? No,” remarked England captain Ben Stokes.
“I think Carey noticed it happen a few balls earlier, and without any hesitation, he caught it and threw it at the stumps. I believe it was fair play. That’s how the rule goes. Some people may disagree, but that’s my perspective,” shared Australian captain Pat Cummins during the post-match presentation on Sky TV.
According to the MCC’s dead ball law, rule 20.1.1.1 states, “The ball becomes dead when it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.” However, the Australian team can argue that the ball never truly settled in Alex Carey’s hands as he promptly threw it towards the stumps.
Rule 20.1.2 also states, “The ball shall be considered dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.”
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
