Sky to bring in BODYGUARDS to protect Australian pundits Ricky Ponting and Mark Taylor at Headingley

Sky are to bring in bodyguards to protect their Australian pundits when the contentious Ashes series resumes at Headingley on Thursday.

Amid toxic scenes at Lord’s – triggered by the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow – ex-Aussie captain Ricky Ponting was barracked by angry spectators as he worked for the broadcaster in the outfield.

And, after Mail Sport revealed security is to be bolstered at Yorkshire’s home following concerns things may boil over in what will be a hostile environment, Sky have decided to take their own measures.

It is understood that the broadcaster will deploy their own security guards to look after ex-Aussie opener Mark Taylor and former Australia women’s star Mel Jones. Ponting will not be at the third Test and will instead be on a trip to France with his family.

The move is being taken as a precaution by Sky, who are keen to ensure the safety of their talent. While there is a confidence that the increased security will not be needed, the move highlights the increased tensions ahead of the fixture.

The broadcaster are expecting further reactions from fans after last week’s incidents at Lord’s

The dismissal of Yorkshire’s Bairstow – and the failure not to call him back by Australia captain Pat Cummins – was greeted with outrage by many of those present at Lord’s. Three MCC members were suspended after, in extraordinary scenes, the tourists were verbally abused as they left the field for lunch. With England chasing an unlikely victory Bairstow ducked under a bounder and marked his crease before wandering down the pitch to speak to batting partner Ben Stokes, believing the ball was dead and the over had been completed. However, Aussie keeper Alex Carey threw down the stumps and the incredulous Yorkshireman was forced to depart. Stokes, the England captain, and Joe Root have subsequently said they would have acted differently had the situation been reversed.

There will be an increased police presence at Headingley, with particular focus on the often-raucous Western Terrace, Officials are also having to take measure to prevent Just Stop Oil protestors from invading the field, as they did at Lord’s with specially-trained sprinter stewards on alert.