‘Doozy cricket from Bairstow; smart work by Carey’ – Atherton, Ponting, Morgan have their say on Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal

Ricky Ponting and Bairstow. (Photo Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images and Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

The second Ashes Test witnessed a series of unexpected moments and controversies. However, one incident that garnered significant attention and ignited a heated debate was the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow off Cameron Green’s bowling during England’s pursuit of 371.

The incident occurred on the last ball of the 52nd over when Bairstow was declared stumped off Green’s bowling. Bairstow successfully evaded Green’s bouncer by ducking under it. Assuming that the ball was dead and the over had concluded, Bairstow walked out of the crease without grounding his bat and he was given out by the umpire as Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps.

The dismissal was legal as per the laws of the game, which state 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.”

This incident was described by former England captain Michael Atherton as “a doozy bit of cricket from Bairstow” and drew strong statements from several prominent figures in the cricketing world. Eoin Morgan, the ex-white ball captain of England, echoed Atherton’s sentiment. “Bairstow ducks, the ball is still active. He goes walking down the wicket and is out. It’s smart work by Carey,” he told Sky Sports.

Morgan’s assessment highlighted Bairstow’s misjudgment and acknowledged the skill and quick thinking displayed by Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey in effecting the stumping. Another renowned voice in cricket, Ricky Ponting, added his perspective, remarking, “Jonny did the wrong thing and he’s paid with losing his wicket in an Ashes Test match.”

Ponting’s words underlined the consequences of Bairstow’s actions and emphasized the significance of the match in the context of the Ashes series.

The strong reactions from these cricketing figures further intensified the discussions surrounding the incident, with fans and experts dissecting the moment from various angles. It exemplified the passion and competitiveness inherent in the Ashes series, where each decision and action can have far-reaching consequences.

Following Australia’s 43-run victory at Lord’s, the two teams are now set to meet at Leeds, Headingley for the third Test of the five-match series, scheduled to commence from July 6.