Bairstow carries protester from field at Lord’s, as Australia tighten grip on second test

LONDON: The first morning of the second Ashes test at Lord’s was interrupted when two Just Stop Oil protesters ran on to the ground and scattered orange powder on the outfield, before one was carried off by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. After the first over on Wednesday bowled by England’s James Anderson to Australia batsman David Warner, the men emerged from the stands and moved toward the square, releasing the powder before being tackled by security staff and players. Bairstow picked up one of the men and carried him off the field before dropping him to the ground outside the boundary markers. Ground staff cleared the powder and play resumed after a delay of around five minutes. “We are aware of protesters on the Lord’s Cricket Ground pitch today. Police have arrested three people and taken them into custody,” the Metropolitan Police said on Twitter. Just Stop Oil protesters have disrupted other sporting events in England this year, including the Premiership Rugby final and the World Snooker Championship.

Ashes-holders Australia, 1-0 up in the five-match series after a thrilling two-wicket win at Edgbaston last week, were 190-2 at tea, as they tightened their grip on the second test.