Ashes 2023: Jonny Bairstow grounds his bat in crease, stares at Australia players on Day 1 of 3rd Test after Lord's stumping saga

Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal was the highlight of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Notably, the stumper-batter was very casual in his approach in the fourth innings and seeing an opportunity for a stumping, Alex Carey dismissed him, which was not appreciated by England as ‘Spirit of the Game’ once again became the talk of the town.

Bairstow himself looked perplexed after the dismissal, and on the very next game at Headingley, the cricketer got back at the Aussies by deliberately grounding his bat in the crease and was also spotted giving death stares to his rival team. Notably, on his second delivery, Bairstow inside-edged onto his pads and stepped out of his crease as he did so. However, after understanding the ball's position, he returned to his ground and placed his bat deliberately inside the crease, fixing his eyes on the Australians at slip. 

He kept his eyes locked on David Warner, particularly as the southpaw jogged past him and said certain things, but the England international didn’t react.

“Bairstow just waits and waits to leave his crease. The crowd is like that. He’s still waiting! Pantomime action there,” said Simon Mann on BBC Test Match Special commentary.

Bazball pulls emergency break after another turbulence 

Ahead of the Test series, England skipper Ben Stokes was very confident about their approach, but after each session, the home team seemed to lose confidence. In the third Test, England batters once again seem to struggle as the Pat Cummins-led side are all over the hosts. Bazball looks to be a vibrant history as none of their strategies has worked so far in the series.

They have lost nine wickets in quick fashion and are in deep trouble on Day 2 of the third Test and now need something special in order to pull back things. Notably, Mark Wood showed glimpses of class with the bat, but the cricketer, too couldn’t stay for long.