The dismissal of Jonny Bairstow had England captain Ben Stokes asking, “Would I Want to Win in That Manner?”

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, is not happy with how the second Ashes 2023 Test ended since Australia now leads by 2-0 with three matches left. After Stokes gave England some hope with a miraculous century that gave Australia a major worry as they were chasing 371 runs, England was bowled out for 327.

Instead of focusing on the outcome and Stokes’ heroic innings, the debates should have been about whether the Australians violated the “spirit of the game” by not withdrawing the appeal after Jonny Bairstow was controversially dismissed in the morning session.

Stokes acknowledged that the umpire’s decision was final, but he said that if it had been him instead of Australia captain Pat Cummins, he would have dropped the appeal.

Jonny Bairstow dove behind a short delivery, and Alex Carey saw him leave his crease thinking the ball was over. Carey received a straight blow and successfully appealed for stumping.

“When is it appropriate for the umpires to call over?” On the BBC’s Test Match Special, Stokes stated. “Are the on-field umpires moving, does it mean the game is over? I’m not certain. Jonny moved between being in and being out of his crease. I don’t contest the fact that it’s out because it’s out.

Stokes said that he would never have desired to end a game in that way.

If the situation had been reversed, I would have exerted greater pressure on the umpires, inquired as to whether they had called over, and given the game’s overall atmosphere and whether I would wish to do anything similar serious consideration. It was the game-winning play for Australia. Would it be how I wanted to win a game? I don’t think so,” he said.

Australia went on to win the game by a score of 43 runs, taking a 2-0 series lead. On July 6, the third Test will begin in Leeds.