‘Jonny will know that it’s on him’ – Ian Bell accounts Bairstow responsible for latter’s controversial dismissal during Lord’s Test

Ian bell and Jonny Bairstow. (Photo Source: Tom Dulat-ICC/ICC via Getty Images and Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Former England cricketer Ian Bell has criticized Jonny Bairstow for his controversial dismissal in the Lord’s Test, placing the blame squarely on the wicketkeeper-batter’s shoulders. However, Bell also raised doubts about whether Australian captain Pat Cummins should have withdrawn the appeal that led to Bairstow being given out. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ and fair play in the sport.

Bell attributed Bairstow’s dismissal to a momentary lapse in concentration. He believed that Bairstow would eventually accept responsibility for his actions, realizing the costly consequences of his mistake. Despite any initial feelings of injustice, Bell said that Bairstow would ultimately be disappointed by the outcome.

“Jonny will know that it’s on him. In the heat of the moment, with the crowd riled and his teammates angry about what had occurred he may have been feeling aggrieved. But once everything has cooled off, I suspect he will be bitterly disappointed that a moment of poor concentration has been so costly,” he said while speaking to Betfair.

I have no issue with the decision to give him out though, the rules are clear, it was out: Bell

While Bell understood the decision to give Bairstow out, he questioned whether Australia should have retracted the appeal. He argued that the incident overshadowed Australia’s impressive performance throughout the match, especially considering the challenging conditions they faced. Bell even speculated whether Cummins might have had second thoughts about pursuing the appeal, weighing the potential repercussions against its benefits.

“I have no issue with the decision to give him out though. The rules are clear. It was out. Whether Australia should have withdrawn the appeal is up for debate though. What is a shame for Australians is that this win will be remembered for this incident, rather than the really impressive cricket they played, when conditions were against them for the majority of the time,” Bell added.

Recalling his own experience, Bell recounted a similar run-out controversy he encountered during the 2011 Nottingham Test against India. Believing that his batting partner, Eoin Morgan had hit a boundary, Bell prematurely started to leave the field, only to be run out when it turned out the ball hadn’t crossed the rope. However, India chose to withdraw their appeal during the tea break, demonstrating sportsmanship.

“I was unbeaten on 137. The slips picked up the helmets and started walking off. The umpires started handing back jumpers. Unfortunately, the ball wasn’t dead. It hadn’t gone for four. A throw came in and with me heading back to the pavilion, the bails were whipped off. Well, I felt sick. Instinctively I knew it was my fault. At that time, I wasn’t looking for an advantage, but I had just switched off,” Bell recalled.

The third Test match between England and Australia is scheduled to be played on July 6 at Headingley, Oval. As team Australia is leading the series 2-0, team England will be looking to make a comeback to stay alive in this 5-match series.