Ashes 2023: Just Stop Oil protest at England cricket

Play was briefly delayed as protestors ran onto the ground with orange powder much to the crowd’s disapproval.

Security, police and players swamped the invaders to prevent them from damaging the pitch.

Bairstow picking up a pitch invader#Ashes pic.twitter.com/vCWCkXb3IA

— England’s Barmy Army ???????????????????????????????? (@TheBarmyArmy) June 28, 2023

England‘s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow played his part, to stop the protestors getting to the pitch, running onto the ground, picking up one of the invaders and carrying them off the ground. 

Boos could be heard ringing around Lord’s as police escorted the Just Stop Oil protestors away.

Speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special, commentator Jonathan Agnew said: “Jonny Bairstow’s dander was up there, he was like a flanker. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again, let’s hope that’s the one attack on the Ashes this year.”

Ricky Ponting, speaking in the Sky Sports studio, felt for the players after the hotly-anticipated match was halted so early in the battle.

Three people have been arrested following the incident at Lord’s. (Image: PA)

Ponting said: “As a batter in the build-up you just want to get out there and under way. Delays are not ideal for anyone.

“The batters just need to put something like this out of their mind.”

The Metropolitan Police said three people have been arrested following the incident.