The controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow during the fifth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s has sparked discussions, with Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins sharing their perspectives on the incident.
In a crucial moment of the Test match, Bairstow was caught moving outside the crease before the ball was dead during England’s pursuit of 371 runs. Alex Carey, displaying quick reflexes, dislodged the bails at the striker’s end with Bairstow out of his crease.
The England batters, Bairstow and Stokes, in the middle expressed their dissatisfaction with the incident. However, Australia had followed the laws of the game, and the umpire upheld the appeal, resulting in Bairstow’s dismissal.
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While reflecting on the incident during the post-match presentation, England captain Stokes expressed his skepticism about the entire situation. The southpaw clarified that he would not have wanted to win a game in such a manner.
“I am not disputing the fact it is out because it is out,” Stokes said.
“If the shoe was on the other foot I would have put more pressure on the umpires and asked whether they had called over and had a deep think about the whole spirit of the game and would I want to do something like that.”
“For Australia, it was the match-winning moment. Would I want to win a game in that manner?
“The answer for me is no,” Stokes affirmed.
Meanwhile, Cummins provided a contrasting view to his England counterpart, suggesting that the dismissal was legitimate within the rules of the game.
“I think (Alex) Carey saw it happen a few balls previous,” Cummins said in the post-match presentation.
“There was no pause. Catch it, straight away, have a throw at the stumps. I thought it was totally fair play. That’s how the rule is. I know some people might disagree. Just like the catch yesterday, the rule is there. That’s how I saw it.”
The dismissal of Bairstow played a part in England’s eventual defeat, as Stokes found himself stranded with the tailenders, valiantly fighting on his own. His remarkable knock of 155 runs couldn’t prevent Australia from securing another stunning victory at the Ashes 2023.
