The Ashes 2023

‘Didn’t MSD call him back..’ – Fans react as Ian Bell says ‘it is a shame’ Australians will be remembered for Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal

Ian Bell described Bairstow's dismissal in Lord's test as fair and clear as per the rules.

Jul 5, 2023 2:05 pm

With the third test to start at Headingley, a lot is at stake in the series. The Australian team which has won two consecutive games in the series currently has a lead of 2-0 and is one win away from claiming the series. A draw would help the visiting side to retain the urn. On the other hand, England is in a must-win situation to stay alive in the series. With so many injuries on both sides, one can expect a lot of changes from both sides, especially from the English side which would be desperate for a victory.

With the third test of the Ashes series set to begin on Thursday, 6th July, the discussions regarding the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow don’t seem to end. The former cricketers are still giving their views on the dismissal, especially regarding the argument surrounding the spirit of the game and the rules of the game. The former English cricketer Ian Bell is the latest to join the discussion. But on the contrary, Ian Bell hasn’t criticized the Australian team.

Ian Bell calls the Bairstow dismissal fair

Talking about the dismissal and criticism around the mode of the wicket, Ian Bell said “I have no issue with the decision to give Bairstow out. The rules are clear. It was out. What is a shame for Australians is that this win will be remembered for this incident, rather than the impressive cricket they played when conditions were against them”. The former middle-order batter rather sympathized with Australia for not getting enough focus on their hard-earned win against the home side.

Bell is one of the few former English cricketers that hasn’t criticized the Australian team. Seeing things as they are, Bell appreciated the Australians for following the rules of the game. The stylish batter was impressed with the way Australia played against England in conditions that didn’t suit their play. The 41-year-old considered the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow fair as it was given as per the rules.

Here’s how the fans reacted to Bell’s comments:

You say conditions were against them. Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean it’s against you. If it whoops round corners it is against them. It didn’t. Everyone discussed Stokes’ declaration in the first Test rather than the 20 minute session where we lost two wickets for 2 runs

— Rosco Maunder (@RoscoMaunder) July 5, 2023

Didn't MSD call him back after he was adjourned runout?

— Harsh Goyal (@reHARSHal) July 5, 2023

https://twitter.com/marc_spector01_/status/1676443961802780672?s=20

I don’t think that is shame! It was by the book. It’s Bairstow who casually went off the crease without seeing the ball is dead with WK. And to the instance, Carey threw the ball right after he got into his gloves. There is nothing to be ashamed off rather England giving excuses.

— Kamal (@xikamal_) July 5, 2023