Travis Head says Jonny Bairstow admitted he wanted to stump him in dismissal identical to Carey’s

Australian batsman Travis Head has accused Jonny Bairstow of admitting to trying an identical stumping to the wicket that has caused high drama at Lord’s and split the cricketing world.

Bairstow was dismissed in controversial circumstances on a tense final day in the second Test, with Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey throwing down the stumps after the batter ducked the final ball of the over and set off to talk to partner Ben Stokes.

The wicket was upheld by TV umpire Marais Erasmus, who judged that the ball was not dead, but Bairstow and his teammates felt the ruling and the Aussies’ decision not to rescind their appeal went against the spirit of the game.

Head has now revealed what he said to Bairstow while waiting for the third umpire’s call.

Head has revealed what he said to Bairstow as they waited for the third umpire’s decision

‘Jonny wasn’t too pleased,’ Head told the Willow Talk podcast. 

‘And I sort of reminded Jonny last week I walked out of my crease at Edgbaston at the end of an over.

‘I quickly whipped my bat back and questioned Jonny on whether he would take the stumps and he said, ‘Bloody oath I would’, and ran off.

‘So, I sort of reminded him that remember last week when you said you’d do exactly the same thing.

‘Two days before he also tried to throw Marnus’ stumps down.

‘So, in the moment, in the heat of the battle, things come out and things are played out.’

Former English gloveman Eoin Morgan has said he couldn’t understand why Ben Stokes and his teammates felt hard done by.

‘I don’t see it compromising the spirit of the game,’ he said on the Sky Sports broadcast.

Head said that he was involved in an incident where Bairstow admitted he was keen to stump him while he was momentarily out of his crease

Bairstow’s controversial dismissal at Lord’s was one of the most controversial Ashes moments in living memory

‘There was a huge sense of frustration [in the crowd] but I can’t understand why? It’s complete naivety around Bairstow’s dismissal.

‘The ball is not dead at any stage when Bairstow leaves his crease. He was obviously in his own little bubble – and you cannot do that.

‘It’s actually really smart from Carey, recognising what is going on – Bairstow living in his own little world – and seeing an opportunity to take a wicket.’

Mike Atherton agreed, stating: ‘England have nothing to complain about, it was a dozy bit of cricket from Jonny Bairstow.’

And Aussie cult hero Merv Hughes didn’t mince his words, offering this gem: ‘Learn the rules and there wouldn’t be a problem!’