The second Test of the Ashes at the Lord's London got off to a controversial start. 'Just stop oil' protestors entered the ground and tried to spray paint in the middle. While the security rushed into the middle to stop them from damaging the pitch, England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow took the matters in his own hands and carried one of the invaders off the pitch.
Bairstow showed his strength and lifted the protestors out of the ground. In doing so there was some paint on his jersey as well. As the play was halted, Bairstow quickly rushed back to the dressing room, changed and resumed his wicketkeeping duties.
As Bairstow walked down the iconic Lord’s stairs, he was applauded by spectators for responding quickly.
Australian opener David Warner and England’s new-ball bowler Stuart Broad had a chat in the middle during the break as Scott Boland carried drinks. Meanwhile, the ground staff did some repair work.
The incident took place just after the first over. This was not the first time ‘Just stop oil’ protestors have interrupted a sporting event. Earlier this month, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took precautions before the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final between India and Australia. ICC prepared two different pitches in case protestors damage one. In case the protestors cannot be stopped, the Test would have resumed on the second pitch.
Earlier, England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first in the overcast conditions.
“Overhead conditions played a massive part and the surface looks good to have a bowl as well. Disappointed not having Woody, but Tongue is a like-for-like replacement. Joe is really enjoying the challenge (with the ball) and is turning into a genuine all-rounder. You can name numerous amounts of things in the last Test but we could have been a lot tidier in some of the moments,” Stokes said after winning the toss.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins also admitted that he would have bowled first had he won the toss. He brought in Mitchell Starc 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, new team really looking forward to playing here. Every Ashes here at Lord's is special. Not only in terms of fitness (speaking about Lyon), but getting picked in all conditions and playing 100 Tests on the trot is a phenomenal achievement,” Cummins said.
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