Jonny Bairstow’s Misfortune at Lord’s: In a stunning turn of events during the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, the second Test between England and Australia at Lord’s witnessed a controversial run-out that left both players and fans bewildered. Jonny Bairstow, the English batsman, fell victim to a bizarre dismissal that sparked a major controversy and heated debates among cricket enthusiasts.
Let’s have a look into the details of this extraordinary incident that unfolded at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground: Jonny Bairstow’s Misfortune at Lord’s
Bairstow’s Bizarre Dismissal
On the final day of the Test match, in the last ball of the 51st over, Australian bowler Cameron Green delivered a short wide ball that Bairstow conveniently left alone, assuming it was the end of the over. Bairstow, thinking the ball was dead, left his crease and casually walked over to have a brief chat with his partner, Ben Stokes, who was at the non-striker’s end.
Controversy Unleashed
Seizing the opportunity, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who picked up the ball, immediately threw it to dislodge the stumps. The Australian players appealed to the umpire, arguing that Bairstow was out of his crease and the ball was still in play. The controversy erupted as the English batsman found himself at the center of the storm.
The Rulebook’s Perspective
According to the laws of cricket, a batsman is not allowed to leave the crease and cross over to meet his partner until the ball is dead. In this case, Bairstow’s premature departure from the crease provided the Australian team with a valid reason to question the dismissal.
Views from Former Cricketers
The incident received mixed reactions from former cricketers. Eoin Morgan, former England captain, acknowledged the smart work by Carey and believed it was a legitimate dismissal. On the other hand, former Australian captain Mark Taylor supported Carey’s decision, emphasizing that despite its appearance, it was the correct call according to the rules.
Understanding the Dead Ball Rule
Referring to the MCC’s Laws of cricket, Law 20.1 states that the ball becomes dead when it is finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or bowler. The ball can also be deemed dead in certain instances, such as a boundary being scored, a dismissal occurring, the ball becoming trapped between the bat and the batter’s person, or when it becomes lodged in clothing or equipment.
The unusual run-out of Jonny Bairstow during the ENG vs AUS Ashes Test at Lord’s created a major stir, dividing opinions among cricket fans and experts. While Bairstow’s dismissal was undoubtedly unconventional, it ultimately fell within the bounds of the rules. As the series progresses, this controversial incident serves as a reminder that even the slightest misstep can have significant consequences in the highly competitive and intense world of Test cricket.
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