Jonny Bairstow's bizarre stumping dismissal has sparked fury at Lord's, with the crowd branding Australia 'cheats' during the second Ashes Test. After ducking a bouncer, Bairstow wandered out of his crease, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps. The wicket was given out after a third umpire review, leaving England at 193-6 in pursuit of 371.
The manner of the dismissal triggered boos and chants of 'same old Aussies, always cheating' from the Lord's crowd. Commentators, however, blamed Bairstow for losing concentration. Former England captain Andrew Strauss called him 'dozy' on Sky Sports, while Mike Atherton agreed.
Reaction from fans at home was mixed. Some slammed Australia for a perceived lack of sportsmanship. 'Cheats. Always looking to gain an unfair advantage to win games. Even when they're ahead already,' raged one. Another questioned why both on-field umpires were not watching the ball, suggesting they thought the over was over.
Presenter Piers Morgan fumed: 'You cannot be serious??!! Australia, that is pathetic. How can you possibly want to win an Ashes Test match like that?' However, many criticised Bairstow, with one saying: 'He walked out the crease, out all day long and nothing wrong with it. Absolute village from Bairstow.'
The dismissal saw Ben Stokes go on all-out attack, reaching his century with a six as England reached lunch on 243-6, needing another 128 to win.
