Mitchell Starc defends Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal on the fifth day of the second Ashes Test, stating that the stumping was as out as his own dismissal.

The fifth day of the second Ashes 2023 Test at Lord’s culminated in a dramatic Australian victory by 43 runs. When Jonny Bairstow left his crease after dodging a delivery from Cameron Green, his Australian counterpart Alex Carey ran him out. The entire day was filled with action. Carey, recognising an opening, threw the ball towards the wickets and managed to strike it. Bairstow was given out after the entire Australian team filed an appeal on his behalf.

The dismissal ignited a controversy, with cricket’s entire community divided over its legitimacy. Mitchell Starc, the fast bowler for Australia, stated after the match that the mode of dismissal was out in the same manner that his catch on Day 4 was ruled not out.

BBC Sport quoted Mitchell Starc as saying, “The stumping was out as much as mine wasn’t out.”

Notably, Starc caught Ben Duckett sliding on his fine leg late on Day 4. Initially, the batter was ruled out after it was determined that Cameron Green had not overstepped. However, replays revealed that Starc had touched the ball with his glove while catching it, so Duckett was allowed to continue his innings. The entire Australian team and several former cricketers expressed their displeasure with the decision.

I always believed I had control of the ball. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc stated that he had complete control of the ball during the catch and that he has made comparable catches in the past. Consequently, his capture was perfectly legal, and everyone should move on.

“I always believed I had possession of the ball. In the past, there have been numerous captures that, in my opinion, were very similar and deemed acceptable, but perhaps were not scrutinised as closely. “According to the letter of the law, it’s not out, and we’ll proceed,” he added.

Australia took a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series after the conclusion of the tense Test. Ben Stokes, captain of England, attempted his best with a score of 155 (214), but he was unable to lead his team to victory. Australia is now one game away from claiming their first Ashes series victory in England since 2001.