England’s hypocrisy laid bare after ‘cheating’ claims during second Test

The latest Ashes controversy saw England respond in scathing fashion, but multiple examples show why their argument is null and void.

Sorry England, you can’t have it both ways.

On day four the laws of the game were spruiked more than Daryl Braithwaite’s smash hit Horses is played during the Spring Carnival.

On day five those same laws of the game were thrown out the window and shrieks of the spirit of the game could be heard for miles.

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Alex Carey skittled Jonny Bairstow’s stumps in what the Aussies are saying was a premeditated move.

Carey almost instantly after collecting the ball in his gloves tossed it back towards the stumps and sent the bails flying to dismiss the English keeper.

The MCC, guardians of the Laws of Cricket, law 20.1 on the issue of dead balls states: “The ball becomes dead when it is finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler.”

So if we’re going off the laws of the game, Mitchell Starc’s catch is not out and Jonny Bairstow is out.

With the law not on their side, criticism from the English quickly turned to the incident not being in the spirit of the game and how Australia shouldn’t have claimed the wicket.

It also saw the Lords crowd erupt and chant “same old Aussies, always cheating” with the topic “cheating” trending on social media.

Stay in your crease. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Piers Morgan after launching a scathing attack on Twitter, admitted Bairstow was out under the rules but pointed the finger firmly at the spirit of the game card.

So, if we’re going to play the spirit of the game card lets get them all out on the table … shall we.

Stuart Broad, after making his way to the crease, was overheard telling Carey “that’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen in cricket” and “that’s all you’ll be remembered for”.

Broad, out of every cricketer on the planet, has no leg to stand on when it comes to this argument after delivering one of the most infamous incidents back in 2013.

Spirit of the Game exhibit A: Broad edging a ball to slip but refusing to walk, an edge the English quick has since admitted to but stated he was never going to walk.

Stuart Broad to Alex Carey: "You'll forever be remembered for that."

Also, Stuart Broad: #Ashespic.twitter.com/laxdRKlkH4

— Basil (@BasilZoccali) July 2, 2023

Spirit of the Game exhibit B: England coach Brendon McCullum has three instances of identical dismissals. Leaving him, like Broad, with no leg to stand on.

In 2006 he ran out Muttiah Muralitharan who had stepped out of his crease to celebrate a century for Kumar Sangakkara.

A year earlier, McCullum rainout Zimbabwe’s Chris Mpofu who also wandered from his crease to celebrate a milestone after Blessing Mahwire reached 50.

In 2009 he struck again with an identical move to Carey’s as he threw down the stumps after Paul Collingwood left his crease.

A friendly reminder to all England supporters - Brendon McCullum attempted to do the exact same thing to Paul Collingwood back in 2009.

Funny how these things often come full circle 🤲🏽@wwos#TheAshes#9WWOS#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/RiW9hynaSf

— Will Faulkner (@willzfaulk) July 2, 2023

Spirit of the Game exhibit C: England keeper Ben Foakes stumping Irishman Andy Balbirnie after holding onto the ball for a far greater amount of time than what Carey did.

Foakes’ move was heralded by English fans.

The one on the left was labelled "Quick-thinking Foakes stumps Balbirnie". The same news site asks whether Bairstow's dismissal is “The most controversial moment of the Ashes so far?" #fairgamepic.twitter.com/SoZYV0eSz0

— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) July 2, 2023

Spirit of the Game exhibit D: Bairstow’s memory may need to be refreshed as well as here he is attempting to do the exact same move as Carey during day three of the second Test.

Thought we had seen this before. Jonny Bairstow attempting to catch Marnus Labuschagne stepping out of his crease two days ago. #Ashes@[e-mail]/U28fEvlEu8

— Sam Djodan (@samdjodan) July 2, 2023

While not a like for like, Broad was among England’s chief celebrators last year when they ranout Colin De Grandhomme who was out of his crease.

De Grandhomme went to take off for a single, the Kiwi was caught napping because of the LBW appeal and England was happy to not withdraw its appeal.

Dozy cricket from Colin De Grandhomme last year. The appeal was not withdrawn by England (video is courtesy of ECB) #Cricketpic.twitter.com/J2t6ELyFFp

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) July 2, 2023

The moment fuelled an ugly incident during the lunch break when MCC members confronted Australia’s players as they made their way through the rooms.

The incident led to current and former England stars bemoaning the controversy.

“Would I have wanted to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no,” Stokes said.

“It has marred today,” former England captain Alastair Cook said. “Everyone has a bitter taste in their mouth.”

The third Test gets underway on July 6 at Headingley with tensions between the two famous rivals at an all-time high.