Controversial Jonny Bairstow dismissal descends into Long Room confrontation

Usman Khawaja was involved in a dispute with a spectator as the teams walked in for lunch on the fifth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's shortly after the controversial stumping of Bairstow

Joe Williams | 02/07/2023 at 14:35

Usman Khawaja and David Warner became embroiled in a confrontation with MCC members in the Long Room at Lord's as they came in for lunch following the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow on the final day of the second Ashes Test.

Alex Carey stumped Bairstow, throwing the ball at the stumps after Bairstow ducked under a bouncer and then wandered out of his ground following the final ball of the over.

He was adjudged to have left his ground before the ball was dead.

Jonny Bairstow is run out! ❌

A MASSIVE moment in this Test match. pic.twitter.com/CyNn0JUYSI
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2023

The incident occurred in the 52nd over with Bairstow on 10 and Australia still 178 runs ahead, precipitating a furious period that culminated in Ben Stokes reaching his century before lunch with a series of hooked sixes off Cameron Green.

Following a review, an incredulous Bairstow was given out and the decision was widely booed by a usually sedate Lord's crowd.

Usman Khawaja was pulled back by security after speaking to one the members inside the long room 😳

🗣️ "I've NEVER seen scenes like that!" pic.twitter.com/2RnjiNssfw
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2023

Replays of the over saw that Bairstow had moved quickly off his crease on the previous balls and quick thinking from Carey meant he was punished for not waiting for the ball to be called dead.

An MCC spokesperson said: "The Long Room is unique in world cricket and the great privilege of players passing through the Pavilion is very special. After this morning's play, emotions were running high, and words were unfortunately exchanged with some of the Australian team, by a small number of Members.

"We have unreservedly apologised to the Australian team and will deal with any member who has not maintained the standard we expect through our disciplinary processes.

"It was not necessary to eject anyone from the ground and I am pleased to say that there was no repeat of this as the players resumed the field for this afternoon’s session."