Jonny Bairstow: Fans demand ‘knighthood’ for England cricket star after Just Stop Oil protest

The England wicketkeeper intervened after three protesters entered the playing area

Sports Staff
Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:07 BST
Comments
Just Stop Oil crash Ashes as England’s Jonny Bairstow hauls protester off pitch

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fans have joked that Jonny Bairstow should receive a “knighthood” after the England wicketkeeper carried a Just Stop Oil protester off the pitch at Lord’s.

Early on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in London, three protesters entered the playing area and threw orange powder.

The incident followed similar protests at major events in snooker and rugby earlier this year.

While two of the Just Stop Oil-shirted individuals were dealt with by security staff, Bairstow took matters into his own hands and grabbed the third.

The 33-year-old hoisted the protester up in the air, carrying them to the boundary before depositing them outside of the field of play.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement that three individuals had been taken into custody.

Bairstow’s intervention drew comparisons with that of Sale Sharks and England flanker Tom Curry, who similarly helped security staff out when Just Stop Oil targeted the Premiership final at Twickenham in May.

“Give Jonny Bairstow a knighthood,” tweeted one watcher. “Casually carrying a Just Stop Oil protestor off the field”.

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, meanwhile, joked: “Good start to the 2nd test. Bairstow has done some heavy lifting already.”

Play was briefly delayed ahead of the second over of the morning session while groundstaff cleared the powder from the playing surface and Bairstow changed his shirt.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was another to poke fun at the incident.

“I didn’t want to say anything, but the one chance that’s come Jonny’s way, he’s held on to so far,” Ponting quipped on Sky Sports.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who own Lord’s, have previously been criticised for their partnership with JP Morgan, reported to be among the biggest funders of fossil fuel expansion.

“MCC condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s pitch incursion and with the behaviour of the protesters involved,” Guy Lavender, MCC chief executive, said in a statement.

“Their actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground, but they have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events, not just here at Lord’s but around the country at other sporting venues.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in