Jonny Bairstow was given out stumped in controversial circumstances on the final day of the second Ashes Test, with Lord’s erupting in a chorus of boos as England’s chase suffered a body blow.
England were 193 for five chasing 371 when Bairstow ducked under a bouncer from Cameron Green, tapped the crease and began to walk down to prod the pitch.
Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey sent an under-arm throw in after catching the ball, leaping for joy as he hit the stumps. There was confusion in the middle, Bairstow seemingly believing the ball was dead at the end of the over but Australia were happy proceed with a deeply divisive appeal.
The umpires sent the decision upstairs for review by TV umpire Marais Erasmus, who had no option but to confirm Bairstow’s dismissal.
Lord’s is typically renowned as the most well-behaved ground in the country but the sold out crowd of almost 32,000 burst into jeers and repeated refrains of “same old Aussies, always cheating”.
A bitter row about the ‘spirit of cricket’ will surely follow, while Bairstow’s lack of attention to detail is also liable to receive plenty of attention.
England captain Ben Stokes was left with a huge job in front of him on 62 not out, with Stuart Broad arriving in the middle with some choice words for Carey. Broad was apparently picked up on the stump microphone telling Carey he would always be remembered for his actions.
Ben Duckett had earlier been dismissed for a fine 83, caught behind hooking Josh Hazlewood after a good start for the home side.
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