ASHES 2023

'GG talking about spirit of the game, how ironical' - Fans react as Gautam Gambhir slams Australians after Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal in 2nd Ashes Test

Gautam Gambhir took a dig at Australians after Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal on Day 5 of the second Ashes Test.

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Gautam Gambhir & Jonny Bairstow

Gautam Gambhir & Jonny Bairstow (Source: Twitter)

Gautam Gambhir & Jonny Bairstow Gautam Gambhir & Jonny Bairstow (Source: Twitter)

Jonny Bairstow's dismissal on Day 5 was a significant turning point in the game, allowing Australia to go up 2-0 in the five-match Ashes series. Alex Carey's clever play sparked controversy, with Gautam Gambhir criticizing Australia's action in a cheeky social media post.

Bairstow was run out by Australia wicketkeeper Carey after stepping out of the crease believing the ball was dead. While chasing 371 on the final day, Bairstow ducked to escape a bouncer from Cameron Green's final delivery of the 52nd over, which went straight to Carey's hands. The right-handed batter assumed the over had finished and came out of his crease, but Carey run out him with an underarm throw.

Many hailed Carey's presence of mind, but Gambhir was unimpressed and hit out at the Australians, asking if the spirit of game logic was only applicable to Indians. "Hey, sledgers….does the spirit of the game logic apply to u or is it just for Indians?" His remark was most likely made in response to the people who questioned Indian players' attempts to run out at the non-striker's end (Mankad).

I would not want to win a game in that manner: Ben Stokes

Following England's 43-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's, skipper Ben Stokes called out for the "spirit of the game" and stated that he would never want to win a game in such a manner.

"I am not disputing the fact it is out because it is out. If the shoe was on the other foot I would have put more pressure on the umpires and asked whether they had called over and had a deep think about the whole spirit of the game and would I want to do something like that. For Australia, it was a match-winning moment. Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no. We just have to move on," Stokes said.

Meanwhile, Australia skipper Pat Cummins backed his colleague's effort behind the stumps, claiming that it is stated in the law. "Carey saw it happen previously, it's in the Laws, totally fair play. That's how I saw it," Cummins said.

Here's how fans reacted to Gautam Gambhir's statement: 

England Jonny Bairstow Australia Ashes Gautam Gambhir