Just Stop Oil protest stops Second Ashes Test as Jonny Bairstow tackles protester
ust Stop Oil protestors this morning threatened to wreak havoc on the Second Ashes Test at Lord’s, with England and Australia players required to intervene to prevent damage to the playing surface.
Two demonstrators from the activist group made it onto the outfield immediately after the morning’s first over, but were crucially prevented from reaching the square with their trademark orange dye.
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow tackled one of the pitch invaders, carrying him all the way to the boundary edge, while Australian opener David Warner halted the other’s progress before stewards came to the rescue. Ground staff produced a rapid clean-up effort, with the interruption to the game lasting only minutes.
The environmentalist group have targeted a number of sporting events in recent months, including rugby’s Premiership final at Twickenham and snooker’s World Championship at The Crucible, while England’s team bus was caught behind a “go-slow” protest en route to Lord’s for their Test against Ireland at the start of the month.
Test grounds have beefed up security this summer in anticipation of protests, with increased stewarding and more intensive bag checks.
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