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2nd Ashes Test: Controversy, Talking Points, Players React And More Much
Image Credits: Hindustan Times

2nd Ashes Test: Controversy, Talking Points, Players React And More Much

2nd Ashes Test Review!! First things first, a minute’s silence to all those who somehow managed to miss one of the most iconic day 5’s in Ashes history. Now that it is out of the way, what a day of cricket we witnessed. It had action, it had drama, it has controversy, and most of all, it had pure quality in abundance to make it a visual spectacle.

At the end of it all, it was Australia who emerged victorious to take a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series that brings them a step closer to winning a first test series in England since 2001, but make no mistake, they were made to work hard for it. Led by Ben Stokes who seemed like he was possessed by an otherworldly entity, he smashed every Aussie bowler out of the park with such disdain that it felt like this was going to be a repeat of Headingley. However, Pat Cummins and Australia both held their nerve and sneaked over the finish line.

Let us now have a look at the talking points from the 2nd Ashes Test-

1. THAT Bairstow dismissal

There is something about Lord’s and controversial decisions that somehow tend to change the complexion of the match in some way or the other. The World Cup final 2019, Deepti Sharma running out Charlie Dean at the non-striker’s end. But yesterday’s dismissal of Jonny Bairstow might have potentially soured the burgeoning rivalry between the two nations at an all-time high. It started of very inconspicuously. A harmless Cam Green bouncer was effortlessly ducked under by Bairstow, who then walked leisurely to his captain assuming it is the end of the over.

However, there was absolutely no indication from the umpires that the end of the over was called. Carey had already began his throwing motion before Bairstow even started walking, and the Australians started celebrating when it hit the stumps. The TV umpire had no hesitation in giving it out and that cascaded a series of boos and jeers to the visitors. There are laws for a reason and it is not very difficult to stay inside your popping crease, which Bairstow failed to do. While this will be talked about for a very long time, the correct call was taken and the right decision was made.

2. Ben Stokes becomes the grim reaper

The England captain walked out in the middle when his side was at the mercy of a rampaging Starc at 45/4. Joining hands with Ben Duckett, the two of them initially steadied the ship on day 4 and the first session of the final day, with Stokes playing second fiddle while Duckett played the aggressor. However, when Duckett was bounced out and Jonny Bairstow was controversially sent packing, something inside Ben Stokes gave way.

From there on what we saw was a display of sheer beastiality, with Stokes going for the jugular and systematically destroying every bowler like a raging bull who had just seen a big shade of red in front of his eyes. Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Green were all sent to the cleaners  Such was the mayhem he caused that the defending test champions were rattled by the ferocity of it. Stokes may have been unable to take England to the finish line, but he surely has played an Ashes knock for the ages.

England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test 2023, highlights: Australia beat England by 43 runs, take 2-0 lead in five-match series - The Times of India
Image Credits: Times Of India

3. Things will only heat up from here

While Ashes rivalries have always been a cesspit of famous and notorious arguments and instances of bad blood between the two sides, the last two Ashes series have witnessed a relatively mellow affair as far as sledgings, arguments, and moseying around is concerned. Well, after yesterday evening, consider that to be non-entity this season. While the Duckett incident was only an ember that could have been cast aside, the Bairstow incident has served to become a full-fledged flashpoint.

It was very visible that the entire Lords stadium turned into a cauldron of boos and jeers. The bad blood spilled onto the pitch, with Stuart Broad constantly giving death stares to umpires and riling up Alex Carey by constantly asking him if the ball was dead. He also was constantly throwing verbal volleys to carry at first, letting him know that “This will be the only thing you will be remembered for”, and then having a go at David Warner on the stroke of lunch. Add to that the ugly exchange between Khawaja and the members of the MCC in the long room, it is a certainty that the Headingley test will crank up the aggression from both sides. Bring on the 3rd Test.

2nd Ashes Test: Reaction and response to this incident and the Ben Stokes innings!?

Firstly, Australian skipper Pat Cummins had his say on the matter!!

Next, here’s what Ben Stokes said!!

Former England cricketer Steve Harmison added!!

 

Further, Stuart Broad had this to say-

2nd Ashes Test: Few more inputs from various current and ex-cricketers, sports journalists and more!!

What R Ashwin said!?

 

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir stated!!

Well, at the end of the day, there is always a cry for the SPIRIT OF THE GAME when England is on the wrong side of it. When they are not (like winning the 50-over World Cup), then it doesn’t really matter!! And so, what’s done is done. And we can leave it at that!!

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This Post Has One Comment

  1. Author - James

    James

    2 Aug 2023 Reply

    Incorrect. Bairstow marked his crease to indicate he was not taking any run. The umpires were not even watching and their actions clearly show they thought it was over (watch the replay). That’s why they had to refer it to the third umpire – they were not paying attention.

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