David Warner opened up on why the players got into action and stopped the pitch invaders at Lords's during Day of the 2nd Ashes Test between England and Australia.
Two protesters ran towards the playing strip early in the day's play, attempting to spread the orange powder over the pitch.
Warner said that the players had been briefed before the match and were told to not intervene, but instinctively both the Australian batter and English fielders sprung into action to protect the pitch.
England captain Ben Stokes prevented one protester from reaching the pitch, while Johnny Bairstow carried another away.
The protesters did manage to get the powder onto the centre square, but it was quickly cleared away by ground staff and the game resumed after a short delay.