The ongoing Ashes series between traditional foes England and Australia has produced plenty of fireworks on and off the field.
England won the third Test at Headingley to fight back into contention. Australia still lead 2-1, but with two Tests to go, a lot of excitement is in store.
Here are five moments that have stood out so far in Ashes 2023:
Jonny Bairstow’s stumping by Alex Carey
A lot has been said about it. But for the sheer surprise element of it, and the uproar it created, it deserves to be relived. During the second innings of the second Test at Lord's, Bairstow ducked a ball from Cameron Green. Presuming it to be dead, he walked out of the crease, but Aussie keeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps. Bairstow was adjudged out by the on-field umpires and then media and fans, including British PM Rishi Sunak and Australian PM Anthony Albanese, raged on about rules and the 'Spirit of Cricket'.
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Carey Booed During Third Test
Fans don’t forgive and forget easily. In the third Test, Carey walked out to a chorus of boos. The unsavoury welcome was clearly a response to Carey’s cheeky dismissal of Bairstow. And this time, England won the Test, which gave the home fans more ammunition.
Pat Cummins’ One Word Answers To Journalist After Third Test
Australian skipper Pat Cummins is a cool and composed customer on the field and off it as well. And the media has a tendency to get carried away. After Australia’s three-wicket loss in the third Test, Cummins was asked by a reporter whether England had gained the momentum going into the fourth Test. “No,” Cummins said. As the reporter persisted, Cummins simply said, “2-1.”
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Nathan Lyon Walks Out To Bat On 'One Leg'
While fielding on day two of the second Test, the Australian off-spinner suffered a “significant calf tear”. However, during Australia's second innings, Lyon won hearts when he walked out to bat clearly injured. He received a well-deserved ovation as he hobbled on to the pitch.
MCC Members Vs. Australian cricketers
After the contentious second Test, some Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) members forgot their decorum and chanted “cheats” as the Australians returned to the pavilion. The embarrassing behavior resulted in the MCC suspending three of its members for the altercation and also said that it won't allow members to get close to the cricketers walking through the Long Room.
