Aussie fans accuse Ben Stokes of cheating after England skipper robbed Australia of a boundary with sneaky act – and even Nasser Hussain was left gobsmacked
- Stokes had strong words to say about Australia after second Test
- Claimed upholding the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ was most important
- Immediately shows his hypocrisy on day one of third Test
It has taken just three days for England’s Ashes hypocrisy to become completely exposed with captain Ben Stokes claiming to save a boundary despite obviously touching the rope during the third Test at Headingley.
In isolation, the incident would spark little debate. However, it comes on the heels of the English skipper accusing Australia of breaching the ‘spirit of cricket’ in the second Test at Lord’s.
Bairstow was stumped by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey on a crucial final day of play, which proved costly as the Aussies won to lead the series 2-0.
While the dismissal was completely fair under the laws of the game, Stokes was left fuming after the match.
‘If I was fielding captain I would have had a real think about the spirit of the game. For Australia it was the match-winning moment. Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no,’ he said.
Stokes didn’t live up to those words on Thursday, however.
On the first day of play in the third Test at Headingley, Australia was on the ropes as the English pace attack had the tourists reeling at 4-85.
However, Ben Stokes seemed to defy the principles of fair play in pursuit of gaining an advantage during the subsequent session.
A powerful shot from Travis Head, aimed towards the boundary rope, seemed unstoppable, but Stokes gave a great chase.
With astonishing agility, the English captain managed to flick the ball back into play with a swift movement of his right hand. It appeared that he had successfully saved his team from conceding four runs.
However, footage revealed that Stokes left arm had made contact with the boundary rope while the ball was in his right hand.
Even English commentators could see that it was a boundary.
‘That looks like four, four to me,’ Former England captain Nasser Hussain said as the replays rolled.
Third umpire Joel Wilson looked over the replays and ultimately decided Stokes had saved the boundary and only two runs were awarded.
‘Wow, how’s that not a four? No idea how that’s not a four.’ Hussain said in disbelief.
Comedian Peter Helliar was incensed, writing on Twitter: ‘How wasn’t that a 4?? And why didn’t Stokes call it in the ‘spirit of cricket’??!!!’
Former Australian cricketer Darren Berry couldn’t believe it either.
‘OMG THIS IS WHY WE GET UPSET. Stokes clearly touching the rope for the world to see but the 3rd umpire gets it wrong. HOW️? human error even with the technology that is just not good enough,’ he posted.
Aussie cricket fans were also quick to seize upon the apparent hypocrisy.
‘I’m surprised one of the elder statesmen of the team didn’t have a chat to stokes about upholding the spirit of the game.. I’m sure he doesn’t want to win a game like that,’ one fan posted.
‘Stokes could have put his hand up and over-ruled the third umpire. #spiritofcricket and all,’ tweeted another.
‘I’ll take Stokes’ word that he saved it, you know, in the Spirit of Cricket and all,’ added another.
