In what has been a closely contested Ashes so far, the second Ashes 2023 Test match between England and Australia ended on Sunday, July 2 with another nail-biting contest of the series. Australia defeated England by 43 runs but the fifth day at Lord’s will be remembered for Ben Stokes‘ innings and Australia’s ability to maintain composure while converting a winning position.
However, it will also be significant for the moments of controversy which have inspired fierce debate in all cricket circles. The stumping of Jonny Bairstow by Alex Carey was a turning point in the match which was according to multiple English media was controversial. Meanwhile, England head coach Brendon McCullum has given a controversial statement on the matter
“I can’t imagine we’ll be having a beer with them any time soon. In the end you’ve got to live with the decisions you make, and that’s life. But I feel from our point of view, if we were in the same situation, we might’ve made a different decision,” McCullum was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
I’ve heard that comment for the first time: Brad Haddin
Meanwhile, former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was one of the few former Australian cricketers who have criticised McCullum for his “won’t have beers” remark. He slammed the England head coach and also highlighted an incident when McCullum had done something similar when he used to play for New Zealand earlier.
“I haven’t spoken to him. I’ve heard that comment for the first time, and I’m somewhat disappointed by that. Brendon McCullum himself did it to Murali in a Test match when he just tapped his crease and went to Sangakkara, his partner, to congratulate him on a hundred. He did a similar thing,” Haddin was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
“Sounds like a bit of sour grapes from England. They’re throwing a lot of stuff at the Australians on and off the field in the media and Australia have just trusted their game style. They’ve won big moments. In the end, they stayed rock solid and won the Test match,” he added.
