Protesters disrupt second Ashes Test at Lord's, threaten pitch destruction

In a dramatic start to the second Ashes Test at Lord's, protesters belonging to the Just Stop Oil movement disrupted the game and threatened to ruin the pitch. The incident occurred just five minutes after play began, forcing players to intervene and prevent the demonstrators from throwing orange powder on the field.

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, known for his rugby league background, took matters into his own hands and swiftly removed one of the protesters from the field, escorting him 50 meters to the boundary. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes and David Warner attempted to tackle another protester who had to be wrestled to the ground close to the wicket. A third protester was apprehended in the stands, and all three individuals were subsequently arrested.

The disruption caused a delay of approximately five minutes as ground staff cleared the powder from the outfield. England had won the toss and elected to field before the incident took place. Concerns over potential disruptions and pitch destruction have been prevalent among officials, considering the threat of protesters targeting Test matches this summer. 

Earlier this month, protesters had held up England's team bus during the Lord's Test against Ireland. Australia captain Pat Cummins, an advocate for climate change action, expressed his hope that protesters would choose more appropriate ways to voice their concerns, stating that there are right and wrong ways to go about it.

What stood out during the incident was the players' proactive initiative to prevent the demonstrators from spilling powder onto the pitch, as security appeared slow to react. Bairstow handed the protester he apprehended over to the stewards before heading to the pavilion to change his attire, effectively averting a more extended stoppage.

While broadcasters largely refrained from highlighting the incident, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting made a lighthearted reference to Bairstow's previous wicketkeeping troubles during the first Test. the arrest of the three individuals and their subsequent custody.

Guy Lavender, the chief executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord's, strongly condemned the pitch incursion and the protesters' behavior. Lavender emphasized that their actions not only endangered themselves and the staff at the ground but also displayed a complete disregard for the spectators who pay to attend sporting events, both at Lord's and throughout the country. Curators have prepared a backup pitch for recent Tests in England in case the main one is damaged. However, utilizing the backup pitch would significantly alter match conditions.