Ashes 2023: Batter’s job is to protect his crease – Ravichandran Ashwin slams Jonny Bairstow after controversial Lord’s dismissal

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin slammed Jonny Bairstow after his controversial dismissal in the second innings of the second Ashes Test match at Lord’s against Australia. On the final ball of the 52nd over, Bairstow ducked under the bouncer from Cameron Green and decided to prematurely leave the crease even before the umpire called ‘over’.

The ball was still in play as it was not dead and Australia’s wicket-keeper Alex Carey, who had noticed Bairstow walking out of his crease on earlier deliveries, was quick to throw the ball at the stumps in one go. Bairstow didn’t even care to look back and he was well outside the crease when the ball hit the stumps.

Bairstow was stunned when Australia appealed for stumping and the third umpire gave the decision in favor of the visitors.

“A keeper trying to run a batter out after collecting the ball is one of the most common things ever. Take a look at the replay. Carey didn’t even take one second to look after collecting the ball. He immediately threw because he knew Bairstow would leave the crease.

“Bairstow didn’t even look back. It is basic to follow the ball and then leave the crease,” said Ashwin on his YouTube Channel.

Ashwin, who has always been very vocal about playing according to the laws of the game, highlighted it is the batter’s job to protect his crease.

“The umpire will do the duty of calling ‘Over!,’ at the end of every over. And till the ball completely comes to rest, the batter’s job is to protect his crease. I was taught that the umpire’s decision is final and was taught to respect the umpire’s decision,” said Ashwin.

Bairstow was dismissed after scoring 10 runs in the second dig and it was a huge wicket for Australia, who went on to win by 43 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the series. The third Ashes Test will be played at Leeds, Headingley from Thursday onwards.