The second 2023 Test of Ashes was played at Lord’s in London, which Australia won by 43 runs. In the fourth innings of this match, the wicket of English batsman Johnny Bairstow remained in contention. Bairstow was dismissed by Australian goalkeeper Alex Carey in a very unique way. In reality, Bairstow left the box without playing a shot and Carey pulled him out from behind the wicket.
Ruckus started at this Bairstow wicket. Former cricketers and pundits present their take on the Bairstow wicket. The world of cricket is divided into two parts at this wicket. First of all, the England captain himself said about this: “If I were the field captain at that time, I would have put more pressure on the referees to ask what his decision was on the matter. Then I would think ‘sportsmanship’. If you ask me if I would like to win games with those things. My answer would be no.
Excellent job by Alex Carey to exhaust Jonny Bairstow.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 2, 2023
At the same time, at this wicket, Australian captain Pat Cummins supported him, saying: “I think Carey had seen a few balls before, there was no obstruction, he caught the ball and bowled it straight. I think it was fair game, that’s the rule, some people won’t agree with that, but like yesterday’s capture, the rule is there and that’s how I saw it.”
In reaction to this, former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has said that he has not said so. He tweeted, writing: “Bairstow wicket, don’t out. The cricket spirit was pushed to the limit. Don’t try to run away, finish the over, scratch the crease (stay) and then carry on with regular BS chatter between the overs between the batsmen.”
“Jonny Bairstow was sleepy coming out of his fold!”
—Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2023
Let’s say it again—
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 2, 2023
We must get one fact loud and clear
—Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 2, 2023
Bairstow wicket, not out. Cricket spirit pushed to the limit. Not attempting a run, the end of a scratched crease and then walked for the regulation BS talk between overs between batsmen. #ashes #ENGvsAUS
—Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) July 2, 2023
It’s really not that hard to stay within your fold. Or to play within the laws of the game.
—Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 2, 2023