'ENG vs AUS > Ukraine vs Russia' - Fans react to Australia PM saying 'same old Aussies - always winning' after his UK counterpart raises 'spirit of the game' claims

Anthony Albanese, Jonny Bairstow and Rishi Sunak. (Source: Twitter)

One of the oldest rivalries in Test cricket, The Ashes is always a delight to watch. The Ashes series has become more intense as controversies, including Jonny Bairstow's dismissal, have involved political support from Australia and the UK.

Bairstow's wicket was a significant turning moment in the second match, allowing Australia to extend the lead to 2-0. The right-handed batter assumed that the ball was dead, stepped outside the crease with no intention of running, but was run out by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Although his presence of mind was praised, it sparked controversy over Australia's 'spirit of the game'.

Following England’s defeat at Lord's, skipper Ben Stokes stated that he would never want to win a game in such a manner. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he entirely agrees with Stokes and that the dismissal was against the "spirit of the game."Sunak's spokesperson added that the prime minister believes England will bounce back in the next match.

“The prime minister agrees with Ben Stokes, and he said he simply wouldn’t want to win a game in the manner Australia did. The game did provide an opportunity to see Ben Stokes at his best and it was an incredible Test match, and he has confidence England will bounce back at Headingley," the spokesperson said.

Australia is right behind Pat Cummins: PM Anthony Albanese 

In response to Sunak's statement, his counterpart Anthony Albanese took to Twitter to express his happiness at the Australia men's and women's teams dominating the Ashes.

“I’m proud of our men’s and women’s cricket teams, who have both won their opening two #Ashes matches against England. Same old Aussies – always winning! Australia is right behind Alyssa Healy, Pat Cummins and their teams and looks forward to welcoming them home victorious," Albanese wrote.

Australia women won the one-off Ashes Test on England soil and started the T20I series with a win. The men's team next face off at Headingley, a crucial fixture from England's perspective.

Here's how fans reacted to Australian PM Anthony Albanese's remark: 

I love this kind of approach & that's why I always rate ponting as best captain of all time..

— सनातनी हार्दिककुमार (@parmar_hardy) July 4, 2023

Same old era of cheater punter now this yeah sure

— Vinayak navander (@Vinayaknavande1) July 4, 2023

And this was in the spirit of the game.

Hypocrisy pic.twitter.com/orwHHL4iB1

— punitbansal.eth (@iampunitbansal) July 4, 2023

England PM should come forward and return back ODI WC to NZ since it wasn't in the spirit of the game

— Amrendra (@amrendraa77) July 4, 2023

Indian PM - We'll win 2024 elections.

— Harsh Khatwa (@harshkhatwa) July 4, 2023

This is getting spicy 🥵

— Manjyot Wadhwa (@Manjyot68915803) July 4, 2023

Ab world War bhi karao, vo Ukrain vs Russia mai maza nahi aa raha hai😅😅😅😅
Thoda Aus vs UK bhi ho jaye 🤝🤝🤝

— the_unknown guy (@the_sportski) July 4, 2023

Crap, bringing their damn politics in Sport.

— Gss 🇮🇳 (@Gss_Views) July 4, 2023

England vs Australia >>>> Ukraine vs Russia

— 🅂🄾🅄🄽ᴿᵒ 🇮🇳 (@Mr_Exotic__) July 4, 2023