British and Australian PMs are taking shots over a cricket game. Here’s why
Global News
Controversy has emerged after the Australian cricket team travelled to England to take part in the Ashes – the bilateral cricket series between England and Australia.
Cricket may be one of the most popular sports on the planet, but it’s not always just fun and games.
A war of words has broken out between the prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Australia over a cricket game in an ongoing bilateral cricket series between the two nations. The British and Australian press, too, have gotten involved and are taking potshots at each other.
The Australian cricket team is currently in England to take part in the Ashes – the bilateral cricket series between England and Australia. The Ashes, which is said to have started over 140 years ago and is believed to be one of the oldest sporting rivalries in the world, has not been without controversy and banter. But seldom do prime ministers get involved.
According to the rules of cricket, the batter must remain behind a white line, known as the crease, while the ball is live. If they are caught outside the crease and an opposition fielder dislodges the wickets, they are out.
On Sunday, English cricketer Jonny Bairstow was batting against Australia at Lord’s cricket ground in London. Bairstow erroneously believed that the ball was not in play when he casually wandered out of his crease.
Alex Carey, Australia’s wicketkeeper, acted fast and took the opportunity to dismiss Bairstow. This mode of dismissal is known as a “stumping.” Australia eventually won the match, going up 2-0 in the series.
The stumping, while legal within the rules of the game, has drawn sharp criticism in England as being unsportsmanlike.
Everyone from English fans to former players and newspapers has weighed in.
