Ashes 2024: Australia emerged victorious against England on the final day of the Second Test of the Marquee Ashes 2024. The former won by 43 runs, and now hold an unassailable lead of 2-0. Nevertheless, some deem the victory unsatisfactory due to the controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal on the fifth day. However, the situation took a serious turn when the Prime Minister of both countries also intervened in the controversy and made remarks regarding the matter.
During the fifth day of the second Test of the Ashes series, Jonny Bairstow was dismissed controversially by Alex Carrey, a bouncer who was ousted by Cameron Green, which Bairstow left, and was caught behind by Carrey. However, the Australian Wicketkeeper, sensed that Bairstow had begun to step out of the crease, promptly snatched the opportunity and took run-out by throwing the ball, even before it was officially declared dead, this has sparked debates and discussions among fans and cricket experts. Some claim that it was Bairstow’s lack of concentration whilst others say that it was against the ‘Spirit of Cricket’.
Ben Stokes has voiced his opinion, he believes there is no point disputing the fact that it was out or not, as it was evident that Bairstow was out. However, he would not like to attain success or victory in such a way. Whilst when asked Pat Cummins to offer his perspective on this whole scenario, he claims that Carrey believes it is within the laws, and so does he, the skipper admits that it was a fair play, and thus there should be no conflicts.
When informed about Ben Stokes’ response, expressing his reluctance to win the game in such a manner, Pat Cummins simply replied with a succinct word ‘Okay’.
Australian Newspaper also published an article mocking Ben Stokes as ‘Cry Baby’, due to the remarks he made over the controversy. However, he replied to his Twitter handle by saying “That’s not me, since when did I bowl with the new ball”.
Friendly Rivalries will Continue, However We Have Core Issues To Discuss- Rishi Sunak’s Spokesperson
Cricket holds significant importance in the rivalry between Australia and England, making it truly remarkable to witness both Prime Ministers engaging in a quarrel due to the controversy, on the final day of the Test.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of England, sided with Ben Stokes and admits that he would not like to succeed in such a manner as Australia did. He also added that this Test Match allows him to witness the apex of Ben Stokes’s abilities and has confidence that England will stage a formidable comeback at Headingley.
Whilst in response to that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his elation over Australia’s men and women cricket team who has won back-to-back in the Ashes series, and praised Pat Cummins and Alyssa Healy for their phenomenal captaincy, and are looking forward to ‘welcoming them home victorious’.
Australia’s men’s team has secured a commanding 2-0 advantage, while in the Women’s Ashes, Australia has won the one-off Test and commenced the T20I with a win.
However, despite the PM’s Contradictory opinions over how the incident transpired, cricket will be unlikely a topic of discussion between Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese.
The UK’s Prime Minister spokesperson said that the public wants the Prime Minister to concentrate on more important and key issues regarding the UK-US-Australia relationship. Although the rivalry will continue, they will aim to concentrate on major events, says Rishi Sunak’s Spokesperson.
