UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has backed Ben Stokes’ stance on the controversial sacking of goalkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow during the second Test of Ashes 2023 at London’s iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The main talking point that arose from the second Test between Australia and England It was Carey’s jab at Jonny Bairstow that sparked the spirit of the cricket debate.
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The incident occurred on the final day of the exciting test when Jonny Bairstow dodged past a Cameron Green wicket-keeper on the last ball of the 52. The wicketkeeper-batsman walked out of his box thinking the over was complete and not realizing if the umpires had called over.
Also read: Ashes 2023: “Glove work was flawless” – Mark Taylor praises Alex Carey on Jonny Bairstow sacking
Australian goalkeeper-batsman Alex Carey scrambled to pick up the ball and instantly lobbed it towards the striker end where it struck the stumps. The third umpire declared Jonny Bairstow out as he was out of his place.
Following the sacking, the Australians came under fire from English fans at the stadium and on social media with members of the Lord’s long room also being upset with the players for not withdrawing the appeal.
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After the match, Ben Stokes said he would have withdrawn the appeal and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak backed the England captain’s stance. When Sunak’s official spokesman was asked if the Prime Minister thought Australia’s actions were not in the spirit of cricket, his response was “Yeah”. The spokesperson further told reporters:
“The Prime Minister agrees with Ben Stokes. He said he just wouldn’t want to win a game the way Australia did. But the game provided an opportunity to see Ben Stokes in his prime and it was an incredible test match. He is confident that England will bounce back at Headingley (in the Third Test which starts on Thursday)”.
It was right that the MCC took swift action: Rishi Sunak spokesman
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) suspension of three lobbyists for their misconduct towards Australian players was the absolutely right move.
Also Read: WATCH – Videos of Brendon McCullum effecting Alex Carey-like firing make rounds in the spirit of cricket debate
Notably, Usman Khawaja and David Warner were involved in an altercation with MCC members in the Lord’s Long room and security had to intervene.
“He thinks it was right that the MCC has taken swift action to suspend any member accused of misbehavior,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Australia took a 2-0 series lead after posting back-to-back wins. They will seek to seal the series in the third Test, which will be played from July 6 to 10, 2023, at the Headingley in Leeds.
Also read: Ashes 2023: ‘They’re throwing a lot of things at Aussies on and off the pitch in the media’ – Brad Haddin criticizes Brendon McCullum
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