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Ashes 2023 | Headingley Chiefs Beef Up Security Citing Backlash Fear Around Bairstow’s Dismissal

image-ljn1okpzBairstow was out stumped by Carey on Day 5 (Twitter)

The third Test of the 2023 Ashes will commence on July 6 at the iconic Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds. As it turns out, the authorities at the venue are set to ramp up ground security, citing fears of a possible backlash between the English and Australian fans. 

The Headingley chiefs are taking Jonny Bairstow’s bizarre dismissal from Lord’s into account, considering how the dramatic scenes from the previous match might well turn the third Test into a hostile one for the visiting supporters.


Potential backlash from Bairstow’s county enforces extra security

An extensive plan was already in place at Headingley in a bid to avoid the pitch invaders from the ‘Just Stop Oil’ protest groups.

Moreover, the officials now fear a backlash from the English fans in the third Test. The upcoming contest threatens to take a toxic turn for the visiting Australian cricketers and supporters, considering the venue is a home county of hosts wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

On Day 5 of the second Test, Bairstow had ducked to a short delivery from Cameron Green, following which he marked his guard and casually walked off his crease. Australian stumper Alex Carey took advantage of the situation and dislodged the stumps, much to the dismay of the Englishman and the Lord’s crowd.

Bairstow’s brain-fade moment turned out to be a decisive one in the context of the match, as England fell just 43 runs short of their monumental task.

The Australians, who basked in the glory of their 2-0 series lead, also coped with some hostile chants from the English crowd at Lord’s.

During a session break on the day, Usman Khawaja and several of his Australian teammates were also involved in a heated exchange with some MCC members. However, a security personnel calmed the matter down by pulling Khawaja away from sight.