ASHES 2023

'Ab kaha gayi sportsmanship' - Fans react to Alex Carey's bizarre run out of Jonny Bairstow on final day of Lord's Test

England suffered a major blow as Jonny Bairstow was forced off the field on the final day after a bizarre run-out by Alex Carey.

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Akshay
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Second Ashes Test 2023

Second Ashes Test 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Second Ashes Test 2023 Second Ashes Test 2023 (Source: Twitter)

The second Test of the Ashes 2023 saw another controversial dismissal, but this time it was England who was the victim. The game was evenly matched, with Australia requiring six wickets to win and England needing 257 runs on Day 5. However, England suffered a major blow as Jonny Bairstow was forced off the field on the final day after a bizarre run-out by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Captain Ben Stokes and opener Ben Duckett got off to a good start for the hosts. Just when the pair seemed to be taking control of the game, Josh Hazlewood made a huge breakthrough by dismissing Duckett (83). When England were 193 for 5, Bairstow ducked to escape a bouncer from Cameron Green's final delivery of the 52nd over.

Bairstow assumed the over had finished and stepped out of his crease, but Carey, who had collected the ball behind the stumps, run out the right-handed batter with an underarm throw. England appealed for the wicket and referred the decision to the third umpire, who adjudged Bairstow out.

Watch the video below: 

While Carey's presence of mind is admirable, the incident will bring up the question of the 'spirit of the game'. Plenty of boos echoed around the Lord's as the wicket of Bairstow's wicket would have a huge impact on the game and the series. The Englishman walked off the pitch with rage, but this will undoubtedly heat up the series.

The 20.1.2 law of cricket states that: "The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play."

Meanwhile, speaking on Sky Sports, former England captain Eoin Morgan said that it was smart work by Carey. "Bairstow ducks, the ball is still active, goes walking down the wicket and is out. It's smart work by Carey," he said.

Earlier on Day 4, Mitchell Starc’s incredible catch was overturned by the third umpire and sparked controversy. Starc made a brilliant effort to take a catch off England opener Ben Duckett, but Marais Erasmus felt the fielder did not have control over the catch as the ball hit the ground while his hand came down.

Here's how fans reacted to Bairstow's dismissal: 

Australia Ashes England Jonny Bairstow