Ashes 2023: “Tried to calm things down,” Lyon reveals Aussie and English players came face-to-face after Bairstow’s dismissal at Lord’s

Australian players were also abused by MCC members in Lord’s long room at Lunch break.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Jul, 2023

England batter Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal during the final day’s play in the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord’s created quite a stir.

Bairstow wandered out of his crease after ducking a Cameron Green bouncer and Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey stumped him out, which triggered the Spirit of Cricket debate all over again.

Moreover, the crowd accused the Australian team of cheating while some visiting players were abused by MCC members in Lord’s long room at Lunch break.

Two weeks after the incident, veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has revealed that the fallout from Bairstow's controversial stumping spilled over into Lord's lunchroom.

"There were a few Australian guys and a few English guys in the lunchroom and I hobbled up on my crutches and stood in the middle of it and tried to calm things down a little bit," Lyon told the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.

"Jonny had a few words here or there. That's all part of it, I'm all for it."

In a video that went viral on the internet, Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja were seen having animated discussions with members in the long room. Security guards intervened to prevent any unpleasant incident before escorting the player towards the dressing room.

This resulted in three MCC members being provisionally suspended while the club investigates.

Lyon said "everyone was astounded" by how quickly the situation deteriorated following the dismissal.

The off-spinner also narrated a first-hand experience of a spectator approaching him in tears, apologizing for the abuse the Australian players had received.

"I actually had an older lady come up to me in tears, an English lady in tears from the main members' area, and she said 'I've got to go home. I just want to apologise to you Australian cricketers for the way everyone has reacted inside the Lord's," Lyon said.

Australia are leading the five-match Ashes series 2-1 after three Tests. The fourth Test is slated to be held at Old Trafford from July 19.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Jul, 2023

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