"Spirit Of Cricket Pushed...": Ex-Australia Star Fumes Over Jonny Bairstow's Dismissal In 2nd Ashes Test

Jonny Bairstow's dismissal on Day 5 of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia sparked major controversy at Lord's. The incident happened on the final ball of the 52nd over of England's 371-run chase when Bairstow ducked a bouncer from Cameron Green. While the ball was easily carried by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey, Bairstown decided to leave his crease in order to have a chat with his captain Ben Stokes, who was standing at the non-striker's end, as it was the final ball of the over.

However, the ball wasn't dead yet and Carey showed great awareness to hit the stumps. The decision was referred to third umpire Marais Erasmus, who ruled Bairstow had been run out.

The incident came as a shock to many, including Bairstow, who stood there in disbelief over the same.

Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg also expressed his disappointment over the incident and slammed the fielding team for the same. Hogg suggested that since Bairstow wasn't attempting a run after ducking the ball, the decision should've been "not out".

"Bairstow wicket, Not Out. Spirit of cricket pushed to the boundary. Not attempting a run, end of over, scratched crease then walked for the regulation BS chat between overs between batsman," Hogg tweeted.

Bairstow wicket, Not Out. Spirit of cricket pushed to the boundary. Not attempting a run, end of over, scratched crease then walked for the regulation BS chat between overs between batsman. #ashes #ENGvsAUS

Here's how Twitter reacted:

Wow

*scratching my head* #Ashes23

Poor cricket all round. Poor attention to detail from Bairstow but poor sportsmanship from the Oz. Sad to see.

So all is fair in love & war! Jonny Bairstow falls, face forward, from a stab in the back! Technicalities & minutiae