Australian PM Anthony Albanese responds to UK PM Rishi Sunak | Bairstow controversy | Ashes 2023

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the actions of the Australian cricket team after UK counterpart Rishi Sunak criticised the visitors for Jonny Bairstow's dismissal during the second Test, stating that it went against the spirit of the game.

The controversial dismissal of England's wicket-keeper sparked a strong reaction from the crowd at Lord's on Sunday, with loud booing and verbal abuse directed at Australian players by MCC members in the usually reserved Long Room.

Albanese expressed his support for the victorious Australian team, stating on Tuesday, "Same old Aussies - always winning," in a tweet that referenced a chant sung by English fans with the words "Same old Aussies - always cheating."

Rishi Sunak, the UK counterpart, had previously stated, as reported by the BBC, that he "simply wouldn't want to win a game in the manner Australia did," according to a spokesperson.
In response to a question regarding whether Australia's actions were against the spirit of cricket, the spokesperson reportedly answered "Yes."

The third Ashes Test will start on July 6.

Also read: Australian newspaper calls Ben Stokes 'Crybaby', English skipper responds