Ashes image leaves egg on entire nation’s face

For days England have done nothing but condemn Australia for their unsportsmanlike conduct. One image leaves them high and dry.

Same old England, hey?

For days all we’ve heard from the English players and sections of the English media is how Australia did away with the ‘Spirit of the Game’ during the Second Test.

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The outcry, to a fair and within the laws of the game dismissal, has seen a constant stream of vitriol sent in the direction of Pat Cummins and his men.

England skipper Ben Stokes said he wouldn’t have wanted to win a Test in that manner, instead wanting to only win in a clean and spiritual way.

But after days of sitting on the high horse and raining down on the so called “cheating” Aussies, one image proves why Stokes’ words after the second Test are meaningless.

Following a dominant opening session where they had the Aussies at 4/85, Stokes did away with the spirit of the game to gain an advantage in the middle session.

A shot from Travis Head off the bowling of Stuart Broad looked destined to hit the boundary rope, but Stokes had other ideas.

The English skipper launched towards the boundary rope and flicked the ball back clear of the rope with his right hand, saving four runs. But did he?

Stokes' left arm looks to be touching the rope

The ball is now out as he collects more of the rope

As replays rolled it looked clear Stokes’ left arm was in contact with the boundary as the ball sat firmly in his right hand.

“That looks like four, four to me,” Former England captain Nasser Hussain said as the replays rolled.

Third umpire Joel Wilson looked over the close call and ultimately decided Stokes had saved the boundary and only two runs were awarded.

“Wow, how’s that not a four? No idea how that’s not a four.” Hussain said in disbelief.

#spiritofcricketpic.twitter.com/Un2kpZOABJ

— Gareth Parker (@G_Parker) July 6, 2023

Now, unlike England, we’ll accept the umpires decision as that’s what the spirit of cricket is really about.

But those watching on were seething and couldn’t believe Stokes, after days of spouting how Australia were in the wrong, didn’t put his hand up and say it was four runs.

Comedian Peter Helliar was incensed, writing on Twitter: “How wasn’t that a 4?? And why didn’t Stokes call it in the “spirit of cricket”??!!!”

Former Australian cricketer Darren Berry couldn’t believe it: “OMG THIS IS WHY WE GET UPSET. Stokes clearly touching the rope for the world to see but the 3rd umpire gets it wrong. HOW️? human error even with the technology that is just not good enough.”

How is that not a 4!? Was that the Bunker reviewing that? #Ashes

— TAB (@tabcomau) July 6, 2023

Having seen the replay, that was 4. Very surprised Stokes didn’t point that out to the umps, you know, considering he’s all for the spirit of the game#Ashes#Ashes2023

— Leo Mullaly (@mullalyleo) July 6, 2023

How did this not get given as 4? Cleary you see stokes left hand rest on boundary whilst ball still in hand. #ashespic.twitter.com/b7Tz0VrxAD

— David Parker (@parkes_au) July 6, 2023

While the moment isn’t likely to swing the outcome of the contest, at least we hope not, it’s hard not to watch it and laugh at the double standard in the Spirit of Cricket debate.

When it suits England the voices are quiet, but when it goes against them the outcry can be heard for miles.

Australia’s day was saved thanks to the heroics of Mitch Marsh who plundered an incredible run-a-ball 118, hitting the majority of those runs in one session in what may go down as one of the great Ashes counterpunches.

The Aussies endured a collapse on either side of Marsh’s blistering century, which was led by England pacer Wood’s remarkable figures of 5-34.

In the final session however Australia bounced back with skipper Pat Cummins and Marsh striking blows to leave England 68-3, trailing by 195 runs and in a precarious position.