WATCH: Jonny Bairstow single-handedly removes pitch invader as protestors cause a brief pause to 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's 

Second Ashes Test 2023 (Source: Twitter)

The second Test of the Ashes 2023 between England and Australia is currently underway at the Lord's after England won the toss and opted to field first. But in an unexpected turn of events, there was a brief pause in proceedings on Day 1 after 'Just Stop Oil' protesters stormed the pitch.

The incident occurred when Stuart Broad got ready to bowl the second over, with Aussie opener Usman Khawaja about to take the strike. A couple of protestors invaded with orange powder paint and caused a brief halt to the game. However, one of the protestors was tackled to the ground before he could get near any player.

Jonny Bairstow's swift action caught the eye as England's wicket-keeper batter single-handedly carried a protestor off the ground. English skipper Ben Stokes was also seen trying to stop one of the invaders wearing a white t-shirt with 'Just Stop Oil' written on it. Bairstow then left the ground for a short period to change his jersey.

Watch the video below: 

Jonny Bairstow man handling the protestors. What an Ashes so far! pic.twitter.com/kR9TJPEMEP

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 28, 2023

Once the protesters were removed from the ground, ground staff were out to clean up the paint remains on the field to resume the game. The game resumed quickly when Bairstow returned to the field after changing his whites.

Australia and England make one change to their lineup

Australia replaced Scott Boland with Mitchell Starc in the second Test. Boland was given the upper hand at Edgbaston following his impressive performance against India in the World Test Championship final earlier this month. Starc's omission surprised everyone, however, as Boland's average outing in the first Test paved the way for the left-arm pacer at Lord's.

"We were gonna have a bowl as well. One change. Starc in for Boland. Boland has been good for us. Unfortunately, he is going to miss out this week. We are selective with our history. It is a fresh start, the new team really looking forward to playing here," said Pat Cummins at the toss.

On the other hand, England were forced to make a change as all-rounder Moeen Ali got injured on his finger during the first Test. 25-year-old Josh Tongue, a fast-medium-pace bowler, has replaced Ali.

Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jonny Bairstow(w), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, James Anderson