Ian Bell holds Bairstow accountable for the latter’s contentious dismissal at the Lord’s Test. Jonny Bairstow fired, and Ian Bell blamed him for the break of concentration.
Former England cricketer Ian Bell has slammed Jonny Bairstow for his controversial dismissal in the Lord’s Test, blaming the wicketkeeper-batter squarely on his shoulders. However, Bell questioned whether Australian captain Pat Cummins should have dropped the appeal that resulted in Bairstow’s conviction. The event has sparked a heated debate over the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ and fair play in the game.
Bairstow fired due to a break in concentration, according to Bell. Bairstow, he hoped, would finally accept responsibility for his conduct, recognizing the severe implications of his error. Despite his early emotions of injustice, Bell predicted that Bairstow would be upset with the outcome.
Also Visit: Stuart Broad blasts senior Australian players for dismissing Jonny Bairstow in the second Ashes Test.
I have no issue with the decision to give him out though, the rules are clear, it was out: Bell
While Bell recognized the decision to release Bairstow, he questioned whether Australia should have withdrawn the appeal. He claimed that the event obscured Australia’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament, especially given the difficult conditions they encountered. Bell even theorized that Cummins might have reconsidered filing the appeal, evaluating the potential consequences against the benefits.
“I have no problem with the decision to release him.” The rules are unambiguous. It had escaped. However, whether Australia should have dropped the appeal is debatable. What’s a shame for Australians is that this victory will be remembered for this episode rather than the really outstanding cricket they played in difficult circumstances for the remainder of the time,” Bell remarked.
Recalling his own experience, Bell recounted a similar run-out controversy he encountered during the 2011 Nottingham Test against India. Believing that his batting partner, Eoin Morgan had hit a boundary, Bell prematurely started to leave the field. Only to be run out when it turned out the ball hadn’t crossed the rope. However, India chose to withdraw their appeal during the tea break, demonstrating sportsmanship.
“I was undefeated at 137. The slips took up the helmets and began walking away. The umpires began returning jumpers. Unfortunately, the ball was still alive. It hadn’t been four. As I was walking back to the pavilion, a throw came in and the bails were whipped off. Well, I was sick. I knew it was my fault instinctively. “I wasn’t looking for an advantage at the time, but I had simply turned off,” Bell recounted.
The third Test match between England and Australia is set for July 6 at Headingley Oval. Team Australia leads the series 2-0, thus England will need to mount a comeback to stay in this five-match series.
