England Talisman Ben Stokes will lead the cavalry for the five-test series in India starting next month. England last played a test series in India two years back, with India winning the series 3-1 after losing the first test in Chennai. It will probably be the flamboyant all-rounder Ben Stokes‘ last tour to to India as an active player.
Against the backdrop of the series, Stuart Broad shares an interesting viewpoint regarding the “Bairstowed” controversy during the Ashes 2023. Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey had run out Jonny Bairstow, raising questions about playing with the right ethics in cricket. He left his crease after evading a bouncer from Cameron Green when Carey ran him out.
Ben Stokes would not even appeal or review the appeal- Stuart Broad
A debate raged during and after the Ashes series regarding the ethics of the dismissal. It was obvious that Bairstow had assumed that the delivery had been completed. Cricket laws say otherwise.
It is said when the chips are down, all you need is a push. The push can be a provocation. England came back strongly, and the Ben Stokes-led team drew the series. Had it not been for the divine intervention of rain on the 5th day of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, England would have won the series.
In his interview, Stuart Broad talked about the dynamism, mental strength and ethics of English skipper Ben Stokes. He said that Ben Stokes would have never appealed and would have never sought a review to dismiss a batsman in that manner as it is against the spirit of cricket.
The controversy led to a severe backlash against Carey and the Australian team. Views of members and the crowd at Old Trafford heckling Warner and Khwaja are fresh in people’s minds. ne can be sure that the Australian public will remember when England goes there for the Ashes series in 2025. It will be a contest to remember, just like in 2023.