"If Shoe Was On The Other Foot...": Ben Stokes' Blunt Take On Jonny Bairstow Run-Out

02.07.2023 - 17:39 sports.ndtv.com

England captain Ben Stokes insisted he would not have wanted to win a game of cricket with the kind of dismissal that led to Jonny Bairstow's controversial exit during Australia's victory in the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

Shortly before lunch on Sunday's final day, Bairstow -- the last of England's recognised batsmen -- fell for 10 in bizarre fashion when he wandered out of his ground after ducking a Cameron Green bouncer and quick-thinking wicketkeeper Alex Carey under-armed the ball onto the stumps.

Bairstow thought he had secured his ground by tapping his bat behind the crease. Australia captain Pat Cummins could have withdrawn the appeal but the decision was referred to third umpire Marais Erasmus, who ruled Bairstow had been stumped, with England now 193-6 chasing a target of 371.

As spectators jeered the decision and taunted Australia with chants of "Same old Aussies, always cheating", an angry Stokes then on 62, launched a blistering assault on the bowling.

cricket Australia Cricket Team Ben Stokes England Cricket Team Ashes 2023 Run on Pat Cummins Cameron Green Alex Carey Jonny Bairstow Australia

England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow on Friday responded back to criticism received this summer for his performances following a return from injury, labelling it as "tiresome", highlighting how his injury could have ended his career and he is grateful to be where he is physically and as a player. Ever since his return to cricket this summer after a long injury gap, Bairstow has received criticism for his wicketkeeping, which many fans have described as sloppy due to numerous missed opportunities at catches and stumpings. Also, he has not also really continued the purple patch that made him the face of skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum's much-hyped 'Bazball' era that started just last year.

England vs Australia, 4th Ashes Test, Day 3: Mark Wood Strikes After Jonny Bairstow Runs Riot

Fast bowler Mark Wood took three wickets after Jonny Bairstow pulverised Australia with a thrilling 99 not out as England strengthened their grip on a must-win fourth Test at Old Trafford on Friday. Australia were 113-4 in their second innings at stumps on the third day, still 162 runs behind England's huge first-innings 592. Durham express quick Wood had stumps figures of 3-17 from just seven overs, a return that included the 100th Test wicket of his injury-blighted career. England, at 2-1 down with two to play, have to win in Manchester if they are to stand a chance of regaining the Ashes. Wicketkeeper Bairstow followed his blistering 81 ball-assault on Australia's bowlers, which included 10 fours and four sixes, by holding a routine edge off Wood as Australia lost Usman Khawaja early in their innings.

"I Was Out That Way...": Alex Carey's Big Revelation After Jonny Bairstow's Dismissal

The ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia will be remembered for the cut-throat competition and intense game of cricket. Apart from all this, one thing which will definitely be considered among the biggest highlights of the series is the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey during the second Ashes Test at Lord's. The incident took place on Day 4 of the second Test when Bairstow wandered out of the crease after ducking a Cameron Green's bouncer, thinking the ball was dead. Carey took advantage of the situation and made a direct hit onto the stumps.

'Don't Have Any Other Work?': Ex-Pakistan Captain Slams England, Australian PMs Over Jonny Bairstow Saga

The 'Spirit of Cricket' debate took the center stage after Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey controversially stumped Jonny Bairstow on Day 5 of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's last week. Bairstow ducked a Cameron Green bouncer and left his crease to have a chat with England captain Ben Stokes, who was standing on the non-striker's end. However, Carey threw the ball into the stumps, leaving everyone, including Bairstow, in disbelief. The decision was referred to the third umpire and the decision went against Bairstow and England.