The controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow during the ongoing Ashes 2023 series has been left behind by the world of cricket. England managed to move past the dramatic encounter at Lord’s against Australia and secured a victory at Headingley. However, Ishan Kishan’s recent attempt to recreate a similar incident involving Alex Carey and Bairstow in the second Ashes Test reignited the debate during the 1st West Indies Test against Jason Holder in Dominica. As a result, Kishan faced heavy criticism from fans on social media.
The incident occurred on Day 3 of the 1st Test, at the end of the 33rd over, when Ravindra Jadeja bowled the final ball of his 14th over to Jason Holder. The delivery was outside off, and Holder attempted a cut shot but missed. Ishan, positioned as the wicketkeeper, collected the ball and waited momentarily before removing the bails as soon as Holder’s foot left the ground.
Ishan made a loud appeal and gestured towards the leg umpire, hoping for a dismissal. However, his efforts were in vain as the umpire had already called it over, rendering the ball dead, and denying Ishan the wicket.
A similar incident had taken place two weeks prior when Jonny Bairstow, representing England, had left the crease after evading a shorter delivery in the 2nd Ashes Test. Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, quickly collected the ball and threw it directly at the stumps, dislodging the bails. The Australian team immediately appealed, leading to the decision being referred to the TV umpire, Marais Erasmus. After reviewing the replays, Erasmus confirmed that Bairstow had left his ground before the on-field umpire called it over.
According to Law 20.1.1.1, the ball is considered dead when it is “finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler.” Law 20.1.2 further states that the ball shall be deemed dead when the fielding side and both batsmen no longer regard it as in play.
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) July 15, 2023
Although the dismissal was in accordance with the rules of the game, it triggered a spirited debate about the spirit of cricket, not only between the two teams but also among cricket veterans, legends, and fans on social media.