‘Extraordinary’ scenes as England’s Jonny Bairstow manhandles protester

It was just the second over of the second Test but pitch invaders have stopped the game, but the English keeper has acted immediately.

Wild scenes to start the day. Photo: Getty Images

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has taken security into his own hands, dragging a protester from the Lord’s playing surface in wild scenes.

The first day of the second Ashes Test was stopped after just one over when climate protesters ran onto the field, spreading an orange powder.

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As security ran on and tackled one of the protesters, Bairstow was having none of it, picking up the other man and walking him off the field.

The commentators said it was Andrew Symonds-esque, reminding the world of the late Australian all-rounder who shoulder charged a pitch invader during an ODI match at his home ground of the Gabba back in 2008.

Speaking on Nine’s coverage after the bizarre incident, former Aussie white-ball skipper Aaron Finch wasn’t impressed by the scenes.

“You never want to see that,” Finch said. “Sport and politics should never mix, they say. So a

disappointing start.”

Nine host Roz Kelly said it was an “extraordinary start to this Test match at Lord’s”.

Former Aussies skipper Ricky Ponting saw the lighter side of the issues.

“A good start from Jonny this morning. Chucked it up over his shoulder,” Ponting said on Sky Sports.

“I wasn’t game enough to say it earlier on … But the one chance that’s come his way, he’s held onto so far.”

Bizarre scenes at Lord’s. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Bairstow didn’t want a bar of it. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Incredible scenes at Lord’s. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

As Bairstow got changed after being covered in the powder, the ground staff got the leaf blower out for a patch where the protester who was tackled to the ground was felled.

Jonny Bairstow just picked up a pitch invader and escorted him off the field #Ashespic.twitter.com/BKEq95DYib

— Josh Schönafinger (@joshschon) June 28, 2023

The protesters, who are from a group called “Just Stop Oil”, have cast a shadow over the summer so far.

Both England and Australia buses have been stopped by road blocks from the group, while the World Test Championship Final had two wickets prepared at The Oval amid fears of protests.

The group has been active at sporting events in recent months.

Hasn't caught a lot Jonny Bairstow, but he's caught that pitch invader. Unbelievable scenes. #carriedhimoff#Ashes2023

— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) June 28, 2023

Jonny Bairstow just guaranteed selection for the rest of his career. #Ashespic.twitter.com/T5kSjIsFGt

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) June 28, 2023

Bairstow changes his shirt and returns to the field where there is a lovely moment between him and Khawaja showing his appreciation for the quick thinking an action. Bairstow should never have had to put himself in that position, but he did it brilliantly.

— Dean Wilson (@CricketMirror) June 28, 2023

Three people have been arrested over the incident the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

While the pitch invasion certainly captured attention, the second Test has started in very interesting fashion.

England entered the match without a spinner, while Australia have made the bold call to drop Scott Boland for Mitchell Starc on what appeared to be a green top at Lord’s.

England won the toss and bowled with overcast conditions but after 10 overs, Australia was batting well and had not lost a wicket.