Former English skipper Sir Geoffrey Boycott reacted to the controversial sacking of Jonny Bairstow in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. He said the Australian team need to apologize publicly for the incident.
Jonny Bairstow and Alex Carey, two names that grabbed the headlines during Day 5 of the Lord’s Test. Not because of his heroism with the bat but because of the controversial run that sparked the spirit of the game debate.
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Jonny Bairstow dodged Cameron Green’s short ball and, without informing the goalkeeper or the slip-cord, slipped out of the box. Alex Carey seized the opportunity to make the breakaway and he did exactly that. The goaltender batsman landed a direct hit and the batsman was nowhere near the crease.
Also read: Ashes 2023: “Glove work was flawless” – Mark Taylor praises Alex Carey on Jonny Bairstow sacking
According to the rules, it was clear, but many were upset with the Australian team for not keeping the spirit of the game. England captain Ben Stokes and manager Brendon McCullum also said if they had been in his shoes they would have taken a different route.
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Geoffrey Boycott stressed that Jonny Bairstow was not trying to take advantage and Australia should have used common sense. He added that people want to see players play hard and fair cricket. Writing in his column for the Daily Telegraph, he said:
“If you want to win at all costs, then cricket shouldn’t be for you. We want people to play hard and fair, but surely there are standards to uphold. When hitters aren’t trying to take advantage, then you shouldn’t follow the letter of the law. Apply some common sense.
“If a hitter is trying to pinch some ground, like in a Mankad situation, then that’s different. But Jonny wasn’t trying to steal a run. Australia needs to think about what he did and make an exaggerated public apology. That way the situation will be corrected and everyone will be able to move on.”
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
Ashes 2023: “Australians must raise their hands and say ‘we were wrong’, says Geoffrey Boycott
Geoffrey Boycott went on to say that both teams have played some brilliant cricket in the series, but things like this spoil the party. He added that Australia must admit they did it on the spur of the moment and realize they were wrong. He explained:
“These teams have played some brilliant cricket in great spirit and it’s a shame something like this spoils everything. Australia has now had time to think about what happened. We all make mistakes in the heat of the moment.
“People will think better of Australians if they raise their hand and say ‘we were wrong’. This is the way to follow. Let’s see in the next few days if they are manly enough to do that.”
Australia currently leads the series by a 2-0 margin. The third test match will be played from Thursday (July 6).
Also Read: WATCH – Videos of Brendon McCullum effecting Alex Carey-like firing make rounds in the spirit of cricket debate
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