England cricketers Heather Knight and Kate Cross share their thoughts on THAT controversial wicket in the men’s Ashes

Virgin Radio

6 Jul 2023, 10:48

When England cricket stars Heather Knight and Kate Cross joined The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch to talk about their thrilling T20 win over Australia, they also chatted about the big talking point from the last men’s test match.

With last week’s second Ashes test match at Lords finely balanced, England batsman Jonny Bairstow ducked a bouncer from Australian bowler Cameron Green on what was the last ball of the over. He then walked forward to talk to batting partner Ben Stokes. However, Australia wicket-keeper Alex Carey saw the chance to throw the ball at the stumps, and the wicket was given after being checked by the third umpire. 

Cue uproar.

The tourists went on to win by 43 runs and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series ahead of today’s third test in Leeds. Looking ahead to the crowd’s reaction, England women’s team Heather told Chris: “It’s getting a bit spicy. I think Headingley is gonna be a great atmosphere.”

England bowler Kate said: “The Western Terrace is always lively.”

They added: “If I was an Aussie, I would not want to feel it on the boundary near that stand!”

Speaking about the ongoing controversy that Bairstow’s wicket has caused, Heather said: “I think it's kind of sad that we're talking about that rather than the cricket, actually. 

“I was saying to Kate earlier, I think it's hilarious that everyone's just jumping in on it. It’s like an underarm throw to the stumps to run someone out and the Prime Minister is getting stuck in!” 

She continued: “I think people talking about cricket is a good thing, isn't it? And getting people watching, and I guess if more people watch because of that, because they want a bit of controversy and a bit of spice, then hopefully that’s a good thing.”

Kate said: “The thing for me about the Jonny dismissal is that I love the theatre that it created with Stuart Broad, when he came out to bat and he's taking the mick out of Carey and you pick it up on the stump mic.”

Recalling the volatile atmosphere that the controversial incident caused, she said: “I've never heard Lords like that.” 

She added: “But that's what The Ashes has created. It's created that theatre, and there's obviously three more men’s test matches to create even more theatre.”

Meanwhile, England’s women kept their Ashes hopes alive with a thrilling three-run victory over Australia in the second T20 at The Oval.

Read everything Heather and Kate had to say about their thrilling win against the Aussies.

cinch is the principal partner to England Cricket. The men’s Ashes third test started today at Headingley. Coverage is on Sky Sports with updates On talkSPORT.

The third and final women’s T20 takes place at Lord's on Saturday at 6:35pm.

For more great interviews listen to  The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch weekdays from 6:30am on Virgin Radio, or catch up on-demand here.