Australians have been revelling in their side’s 2-0 lead in the Ashes – while having fun at England’s expense after a hugely controversial dismissal sparked fury in the second Test.
On the final day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, and chasing 371 to win and level the series, the England men’s cricket team were 193 for five wickets when Jonny Bairstow ducked under a bouncer from Cameron Green.
He then tapped the crease before taking a few steps beyond it to prod the pitch.
As he did so, Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey sent an under-arm throw – before leaping for joy as he hit the stumps.
The umpires quickly ruled the England player was out.
But while very few crickets fans disputed the decision was correct according to the letter of the law, many have argued the episode was not in keeping with the spirit of the game – which has historically been associated with fair play and sporting behaviour.
As such, Carey’s actions – and the subsequent failure of Australian captain Pat Cummins to withdraw the appeal for Bairstow’s dismissal – drew a visceral response.
The 32,000-strong crowd erupted in boos, jeers and repeated choruses of “same old Aussies, always cheating”.
Then in the Long Room, Marylebone Cricket Club members exchanged heated words with Australian players as they walked off at lunch.
But amid an avalanche of anger online, many in Australia were perhaps predictably less outraged by the day’s events – with even some official public bodies opting to make light of the situation.
Victoria Police, for instance, reminded people of “road safety tips” in a tweet featuring a picture of Bairstow with his back turned to the stumps alongside an image of some traffic lights.
“We’d like to thank Jonny Bairstow for reminding everyone about the dangers of stepping over the crease before you’re given the green light,” the force said.
They also suggested people “tag a grumpy Englishman” in response to the tweet, before including a mention of the Metropolitan Police.
Michael Koziol, of The Sydney Morning Herald, referred to England’s frustration and anger over the Bairstow incident when he tweeted: “Never really got into cricket, but English people losing their minds over this is a sport we can all get behind.”
The Canberra Times said the stumping incident “exposes cricket’s ugliest debate” between spirit and rules.
There were some alternative opinions offered in the Australian press, with the Daily Telegraph saying “Australia forever taints famous Ashes win”.
Phil Rothfield wrote: “The greatest moments in Australian sport are often not about winning, but great acts of sportsmanship.
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“This Ashes win will be remembered, but not for the right reasons.”
England captain Ben Stokes said the manner of the Bairstow wicket had left a bitter taste.
“The first thing that needs to be said is that it is out,” he said.
“But would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no.”
Rishi Sunak also appeared to criticise Australia’s Lord’s win after Bairstow’s controversial dismissal.
His official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister agrees with Ben Stokes.
“He said he simply wouldn’t want to win a game in the manner Australia did.”
Asked whether Mr Sunak believed Australia’s actions were not in keeping with the spirit of cricket, his spokesman said: “Yes”.
