The second game of the Ashes 2023 series at Lord’s ended in controversy due to the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow. The 33-year-old was batting on 10 during England’s fourth-innings chase of 371. On the last ball of the 52nd over, he ducked under a bouncer from Cameron Green. Spotting that Bairstow had inadvertently wandered out of his crease, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey used his game sense to stump him. The Bradford-born was given out by the third umpire after a review, leading to a heated debate and criticism from England players.
🤐🤐🤐#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/dDGCnj4qNm
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 2, 2023
The incident has sparked discussions about the spirit of the game, with England captain Ben Stokes stating that he would not have done something similar. While England players have criticized the manner in which Bairstow was dismissed, Australians have defended the decision.
Former ICC elite panel umpire Simon Taufel, who is currently a member of the MCC laws sub-committee, has joined the debate and raised questions about whether Australia breached the spirit of cricket.
Taufel, who won five-straight ICC Umpire of the Year awards (2004-08) and oversaw 74 Tests as an on field umpire, in an interview with ABC Sydney Mornings, stated that although England disagreed with the decision, it was the correct one based on the rules of the game. He explained that for the ball to be considered dead after an over or delivery, both teams must disregard its active status, which was not the case in this incident.
“Correct decision made. They (England) just didn’t like it. For that ball to be considered dead after the over or even after the delivery, both sides need to disregard it is in play. Clearly, the fielding side hadn’t,” Taufel said to ABC Sydney Mornings.
Simon Taufel says the decision to give Jonny Bairstow out was correct.
As a former Australian umpire, life member of Lord's and member of the MCC Laws sub-committee, Taufel spoke with @abcsydney on the Mornings show. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/8XlRIkc6YE
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) July 3, 2023
After Bairstow’s controversial dismissal, England’s captain Stokes, who was on 62 at that moment, stepped up and played an aggressive innings. He scored 36 runs off the next two overs bowled by Cameron Green and reached his century. However, Stokes (155) was eventually dismissed with England still needing 70 runs to win.
With only three wickets remaining, the English team struggled to build partnerships and chase down the target. They were eventually bowled out for 327, falling short by 43 runs and losing the second Test to Australia.
As the series moves to Headingley Cricket Stadium, Leeds, Bairstow will be motivated to make a strong impact with the bat on his home ground. On the other hand, Australian captain Pat Cummins and his team will be determined to win the game and secure a 3-0 lead, aiming to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.
