Ben Stokes was adamant after the controversy of the Lord’s Test that England would solely need to win Test matches cleanly and spiritually — however a determined try to save lots of a boundary at Headingley has confirmed they have been nothing however empty phrases.
Australia obtained a stream of abuse within the wake of Jonny Bairstow’s run out on the deciding day on the dwelling of cricket, with the English group and followers claiming they have been “cheats” and didn’t play the sport throughout the “spirit of cricket”.
The guests have been greeted with a hostile reception on the opening day of the third Test in Leeds.
The Aussies have been booed to and from the wicket, with Steve Smith and skipper Pat Cummins copping notably nasty welcomes.
But whereas England continued their verbal barrage, they struggled with the idea of strolling the stroll.
In the second session, with Australia in hassle having misplaced their first 4 wickets for less than 84 runs, Stokes hared after a robust shot from Travis Head that appeared destined for the boundary.
The English skipper confirmed his standard tenacity, diving headlong on the ball and flicking it again into play.
However, a replay verify of the save revealed clear contact between Stokes’ left forearm and the boundary bollard whereas the ball was nonetheless in his proper hand.
It ought to have been referred to as a 4 however one way or the other third-umpire Joel Wilson produced a howler, lacking the contact and calling it a good save.
It decreased the shot to 2 runs.
Even English commentator Nasser Hussain was stumped by the choice.
“That looks like four, four to me,” the previous England captain mentioned. “Wow, how’s that not a four? No idea how that’s not a four.”
Just days in the past, Stokes mentioned: “If I was fielding captain, I would have had a real think about the spirit of the game. For Australia, it was the match-winning moment. Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no.”
But it seems the one factor on his thoughts at Headingley was gaining a bonus in any means he may.
Australian cricket followers have been fast to take to social media to lash England’s hypocrisy.
“OMG THIS IS WHY WE GET UPSET. Stokes is clearly touching the rope for the world to see, but the 3rd umpire gets it wrong. HOW️? Human error even with the technology that is just not good enough,” former Australian cricketer Darren Berry wrote.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
