Ashes 2023: Pat Cummins Dismisses Ben Stokes' Remark in Jonny Bairstow Controversy

 

Ashes 2023: Pat Cummins Dismisses Ben Stokes' Remark in Jonny Bairstow Controversy

The Ashes Test has once again found itself embroiled in a fresh controversy as Australia's wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, peculiarly dismissed England's Jonny Bairstow through a run-out on Sunday.

When Bairstow started moving towards the other end of the crease, thinking the ball was out of play, the wicketkeeper used the opportunity to surprise Bairstow by shattering the stumps.

To the dismay of the English team, the third umpire ruled Bairstow out. After the conclusion of the match, Australian captain Pat Cummins was asked to respond to the incident in light of England skipper Ben Stokes' statement about retracting an appeal had a similar incident occurred with an Australian player.

"Ben Stokes says he would've withdrawn his appeal," the presenter questioned during the post-match conversation.

In response, Cummins simply uttered, "okay."

The Australian skipper's terse reply sparked a myriad of reactions on social media, with fans and experts engaging in a spirited debate about the ethos of cricket.

Speaking to BBC's Test Match Special, Stokes had questioned, "When is it justified that the umpires have called over? Is the on-field umpire's movement signifying the end of play? I'm uncertain."

Stokes clarified that he didn't contest Bairstow's dismissal as it was a legitimate call, but he pondered whether he would have exerted more pressure on the umpires and deeply contemplated the spirit of the game had the situation been reversed. He emphasized that the moment was crucial for Australia's victory and reflected on whether he would desire to win a game in that manner, concluding that he wouldn't.

Prompted further on whether he would have withdrawn an appeal for a run-out in a similar scenario, Stokes answered affirmatively with a simple "Yes."

The event has sparked debates over the meaning of sportsmanship and fair play on social media within the cricketing community.