On Sunday’s final day of the second Test of the ongoing Ashes series at Lord’s, England batter Jonny Bairstow run out generated controversy.
Attempting to reach the target of 371, England was 193 for 5 when, on the final ball of the 52nd over, Cameron Green of Australia bowled a bouncer and Bairstow dove to dodge it.
The Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey smashed the stumps with an underarm throw after collecting the ball as Bairstow left his crease believing the over was over. Consequently, the third umpire was consulted in the judgement and determined that Bairstow was out.
What the rule says about Bairstow run out on final day of Ashes?
Here is what the MCC’s Laws of cricket say about the dead ball (Law 20.1):
20.1.1 The ball becomes dead when
20.1.1.1 it is finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler.
20.1.1.2 a boundary is scored.
20.1.1.3 a batter is dismissed. The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.
20.1.1.4 whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batter or between items of his/her clothing or equipment.
20.1.1.5 whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batter or the clothing of an umpire.
20.1.1.6 under either of Laws 24.4 (Player returning without permission) or 28.2 (Fielding the ball) there is an offence resulting in an award of Penalty runs. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
20.1.1.7 there is contravention of Law 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
20.1.1.8 the match is concluded in any of the ways stated in Law 12.9 (Conclusion of match).
20.1.2 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.
Lord’s crowd rage at Australian ‘cheats’ after ‘dozy’ Jonny Bairstow dismissal
The Lord’s fans called Australia “cheats” after Jonny Bairstow’s comical stumping in the second Test.
The Lord’s crowd howled in mockery at the way they were dismissed. Boos and even chants of “same old Aussies, always cheating” could be heard as Bairstow marched off the pitch.
Bairstow, though, was heavily criticised by commentators for losing focus while the ball was still in play. On the Sky Sports commentary, Andrew Strauss referred to the Yorkshireman as “dozy,” and Mike Atherton, another former England captain, agreed.
Fans who were watching at home had a varied response, with some criticising the Australians for their alleged lack of sportsmanship.
Ben Stokes launched an all-out assault after being dismissed. The captain hit a six as England reached the halfway point at 243-6, needing another 128 to pull off a stunning triumph.
Also read: The Ashes 2nd Test: Nathan Lyon criticises remarks as he went out to bat with concussion sub in mind
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