Why Jonny Bairstow's dismissal at Ashes 2023 considered ‘against spirit of game’: Explained

livemint.com:

Jonny Bairstow's wicket was like a turning point in the game after which Ben Stokes was pushed to take some risks and eventually loose his wicket. Fans are divided on social media with some calling it against the spirit of the game while others sharing videos of England playing against the ethical code. It was the 52nd over and England was playing on 193/6 with skipper Ben Stokes playing a remarkable innings.

Cameron Green was bowling to Jonny Bairstow and the batsman decided to leave the ball and it went to wicket-keeper Alex Carey. At this moment, Jonny Bairstow looked at his feet the inside the crease and then moved ahead to change strike as he assumed the over was complete. But, suddenly Alex Carey decided to stump Jonny Bairstow while it was quite clear that Jonny Bairstow was going towards the other end of the pitch.

Jonny Bairstow was perplexed as the Australian players celebrated the fall of the wicket. The decision went to the third umpire who announced Jonny Bairstow as out. The fall of the wicket in such a manner brought immediate anger from the English crowd who booed the Australians.

On social media, Jonny Bairstow's dismissal brought a furore with cricket fans accusing Australians of foul play. "My thoughts around it is, when is it justified that umpires have called 'over'? Does the square-leg umpire making some movement justify that? Jonny Bairstow was in his crease and then came out to have a chat in the middle. I’m not disputing if it was out, it was.

If the shoe was on the other foot, I would've had to think about the whole spirit of the game. But it has happened, it was out. We have to move on… Do I want to win in that manner? No," England skipper Ben Stokes said.