R Ashwin voices support for Alex Carey amid Jonny Bairstow run out controversy at Lord's | Ashes 2023

Senior Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has often faced criticism for running out non-striker batters for backing up too far, has expressed support for Alex Carey's decision to run out Jonny Bairstow on the final day of the second Ashes Test.

We must get one fact loud and clear

“The keeper would never have a dip at the stumps from that far out in a test match unless he or his team have noticed a pattern of the batter leaving his crease after leaving a ball like Bairstow did.”

We must applaud the game smarts of… https://t.co/W59CrFZlMa

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 2, 2023

Ashwin took to Twitter to commend Carey's cricketing intelligence, stating, "We must get one fact loud and clear. The keeper would never have a dip at the stumps from that far out in a test match unless he or his team have noticed a pattern of the batter leaving his crease after leaving a ball like Bairstow did. We must applaud the game smarts of the individual rather than skewing it towards unfair play or spirit of the game."

Bairstow was run out by Carey while wandering out of his crease. Although there were mixed opinions on the dismissal, with England's Ben Stokes expressing his disapproval, Ashwin defended Carey's actions.

Stuart Broad, who was next in line after Bairstow, also expressed his dissatisfaction with Carey's decision, telling him, "That's all you will ever be remembered for," as captured by the stump mic.

Also read: Ashes 2023: Nathan Lyon ruled out of remaining 3 Tests

However, in accordance with ICC Playing Conditions, rule 20.1.2, Carey was well within his rights to break the stumps. The rule states that the ball is considered dead when it is evident to the bowler's end umpire that both the fielding side and the batsmen at the wicket no longer regard it as in play.

Australia went on to win the second Test at Lord's by 43 runs, taking a 2-0 lead in the Ashes 2023 series.

Also watch: Ben Stokes considers Bairstow's dismissal against 'spirit of cricket', Australia disagree