'He Will Hate Me': Joe Root CONTROVERSIALLY Backs Australia's Infamous Bairstow Stumping at Ashes

The Ashes back in 2023 is regarded as one of the greatest Ashes series in the last 20 years with both England and Australia playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw after 5 games. 

The latest Ashes had a lot of controversial and dramatic moments but none so polarising as Australia's Alex Carey stumping out Jonny Bairstow in the second test at Lords. The infamous stumping infuriated England and brought back the age old ‘spirit of cricket’ conversation. As it turns out, ex England skipper and test superstar Joe Root has recently come out and backed Australia and Pat Cummins for their ‘Dirty’ stumping. 

Also Read | Dravid reveals how Rohit stopped him from quitting after ODI WC loss

Jonny Bairstow's infamous stumping 

It was the final innings of the second test at Lords and Australia were looking to defend and England chasing the total. The game was in balance when Jonny Bairstow and England skipper Ben Stokes were on the crease. Australia's skipper Pat Cummins noticed that Jonny Bairstow was constantly walking out of the striker's crease without planting his bat and told Alex Carey to have a throw at the Stumps the next time he does that.

Alex Carey followed suit and Jonny Bairstow was run out. This moment escalated tensions between the two nations at an all time high and it is a hotly debated topic to date. 

Also Read | Indian Cricket Team Set to Fly Home from Barbados as Airport Reopens

Joe Root controversially backs Australia for the stumping

The England Cricket Board have recently released a documentary on that enthralling Ashes series and in that documentary, Joe Root has controversially claimed that the stumping by Australia was fair and he would have done the same had he been on the other side. 

“Initially I was quite angry, but I think when you’re involved in the game it’s very difficult to put yourself in the other position. So I’d like to say I would have dealt with it differently, but I could very easily have done the same thing”, said Joe Root. 

Joe Root further threw Bairstow under the bus and revealed that he should he should have stayed aware of the situation. 

“At the end of the day, it’s within the laws of the game. You should be aware as a player. Jonny will hate me saying this, but if you stay in your crease you can’t get given out can you?”, added Joe Root.  

Joe Root's statements are certainly surprising as this is the first time an English player has come out and defended Australia for there infamous stumping.