Just Stop Oil invade Lord's before Jonny Bairstow PICKS UP protester and dumps him off cricket pitch
England's Jonny Bairstow carries a just stop oil protester off the field
PA
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow forcibly removed a Just Stop Oil protester from the pitch during the much-anticipated second Ashes test at Lord's.
The 33-year-old was applauded and cheered when he dumped one protester over the boundary.
Two eco-zealots stormed the Home of Cricket from the Grandstand before Stuart Broad could bowl the first ball of the second over.
The pair, who were joined by a third Just Stop Oil activist, made it onto the pitch and sprayed orange powder paint.
England captain Ben Stokes seen with a Just Stop Oil protestor
Reuters
However, the protestors were unable to reach the wicket after being stopped by England's fielders and stewards.
The activists were booed by the 32,000 spectators crammed into Lord's to watch England take on Australia.
Play was delayed for approximately five minutes until stewards cleared up the mess.
Bairstow briefly returned to the England dressing room to change some of his orange-stained clothing.
The Metropolitan Police have since confirmed three people have been arrested and taken into custody.
The Yorkshireman complained about Just Stop Oil protesters during England's pre-Ashes test against Ireland.
Stewards apprehended the second protester
Reuters
Bairstow shared a clip showing England's team bus meandering towards the Home of Cricket behind a group of activists.
In a post uploaded to the popular social media platform Instagram, the 33-year-old said: "If we’re a bit late it’s not our fault."
Bairstow also collided with prominent prankster Daniel Jarvis, known as Jarvo 69, during the fourth test between England and India at Oval in 2021.
Jarvis, who is known for his pitch-invading antics, was later sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being found guilty of aggravated trespass.
There were growing concerns ahead of the second test about Just Stop Oil activists targeting the Ashes, with Marylebone Cricket Club putting out several warnings and ramping up security efforts.
Responding to the incident, MCC CEO Guy Lavender, said: “MCC condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s pitch incursion and with the behaviour of the protestors involved.
Stuart Broad was unable to bowl the first ball of the second over before chaos struck
Reuters
"Their actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground, but they have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events, not just here at Lord’s but around the country at other sporting venues.”
However, Just Stop Oil defended the decision.
A spokesperson for the eco-activist group said: "Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England vs Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in?
"We can no longer afford to distract ourselves when the sports we play, the food we eat, and the culture we cherish is at risk."
"It's time for cricket lovers and all those who understand the severity of this situation, to get onto the streets and demand action from this illegitimate, criminal Government."When our children ask us 'what did we do' to avert this crisis, we better have a good answer."
David Warner putting Jimmy Anderson's long half-volley through the covers
Reuters
Protestors have appeared at numerous sporting events in recent months.
Two men stormed the pitch at Twickenham Stadium in south-west London when Saracens defeated Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby final.
Just Stop Oil activists also disrupted the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in April.
However, England will be hoping disruption to the first day of the second Ashes test will not take away from their hope to draw level in the coveted 141-year-old series.
Australia raked up four runs in just six balls, with opening batsman David Warner putting Jimmy Anderson's long half-volley through the covers.
England lost the opening test at Edgbaston by just two wickets after Usman Khawaja's 141 first innings run tally helped propel the Australians to victory.