The ongoing Ashes series in England is getting heated by the day as Jonny Bairstow's dismissal became an unfortunate talking point so much so that it took the sheen off skipper Ben Stokes' fighting knock of 155 runs on the final day at Lord's as Australia prevailed by 43 runs, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Bairstow started wandering out of his crease as soon as Cameron Green bowled the final over of the 52nd over of England's innings without checking with the wicket-keeper or any of the umpires if the ball was still in play. Alex Carey was alert and threw the ball back at the stumps catching Bairstow short of his crease. The Australians were quick to appeal but captain Stokes at the other end wasn't sure if the over was called by the umpires or not but the third umpire declared it out and the crowd was naturally not happy.
The boos became a regular part of the rest of the evening while 'Aussie Aussie cheat cheat' became a chant that was heard at Lord's. The rest of the England players made sure to rub it in, Stuart Broad in particular who left no chance to get his voice heard.
He was repeatedly taking digs at the Australian team, especially Carey as he said, "That's all you'll be remembered for," said Broad in Carey's face. The video has gone viral on the internet.
The English fans and the MCC members at Lord's didn't take that decision sportingly as Australian players were said a few things as they were going into the dressing room for lunch through the long room. While Ben Stokes brought 'Spirit of Cricket' into the discussion, Cummins stood by his teammate saying that Carey had noticed Bairstow doing the same a few balls ago as well and was alert enough to affect a run out.
After Bairstow's dismissal, Stokes got ultra-aggressive and started smashing boundaries as he scored his second century as captain of England. Stokes was taking England to another improbable win before Australia learned from the Headingley humbling and dismissed the opposition skipper from pulling off another heist, dismissing him for 155. After which it was a matter of time before the tail was cleaned up as Australia head into Leeds Test 2-0 ahead.
