(Image Source: Reuters)
[Saba Sports News] Jonny Bairstow, the England cricketer, has addressed his contentious dismissal at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the Ashes series this summer. The incident occurred during the second Ashes Test’s fifth day, where Bairstow was controversially dismissed, sparking heated debates.
During the incident, Bairstow was facing Australia’s Cameron Green in the 52nd over and had scored 10 runs. He didn’t make contact with the ball and moved out of the crease.
Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, swiftly threw the ball to dismiss him. Speaking to The Telegraph, Bairstow clarified that he wasn’t attempting to gain an advantage when he left the crease. He also raised concerns about Australia’s sportsmanship during the series.
Bairstow stated, “If you’re starting out of your crease, you’re trying to gain an advantage. If you start in your crease, and not trying to take a run, and you finish in your crease… That’s the bit – if you try to gain an advantage, then it’s fair game. But if you’re starting in your crease, you’ve ducked, tap, tap, scratched. I’ve even dragged my bat, looked up, and then gone.”
The 34-year-old expressed his surprise at such dismissals and emphasized that they negatively impact the enjoyment of the sport. He added that such actions could deter young cricketers from the game, which should be about fun and enjoyment rather than worrying about various ways of being dismissed.