Ashes 2023: Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Alex Carey should be applauded for running out Jonny Bairstow

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Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Australia wicket-keeper Alex Carey for running out England batter Jonny Bairstow with an underarm throw for leaving the crease without the ball being dead on Day 5 of the second Ashes 2023 Test at Lord's in London.

On Sunday, a major 'Spirit of Cricket' debate erupted after Carey ran Bairstow out with his underarm throw on the final delivery of the 52nd over. After leaving alone a short delivery from Cameron Green, Bairstow instantly moved out of his crease towards his partner Ben Stokes.

Usually batters check with the keeper or players in the slip cordon to ensure the ball is dead. The brain fade moment from Bairstow saw him just walk outside the crease almost instantly after leaving the short delivery from Green.

Carey showed great presence of mind and rolled an underarm throw to dismantle the stumps. With Bairstow nowhere to be seen in the frame, the umpire accepted the appeal from Australians and raised his fingers to signal Bairstow out.

As expected the 'Spirit of Cricket' debate erupted soon. Stuart Broad who walked in next straightaway slammed Carey for dismissing Bairstow in that fashion.

"That's all you will ever be remembered for," the stump mic caught Broad expressing his displeasure to Carey.

Post the 43-run defeat, England captain Ben Stokes also slammed the Australian tactic, saying that he would never resort to anything like that to win a game.

"Would I want to win a game in that manner? I think the answer for me is no," Stokes told BBC Test Match Special after the game.

Ashwin backs Carey and Australia

However, Carey and Australia have got backing from none other than star India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who feel players should be applauded for showing presence of mind rather than being accused of unfair play.

Ashwin added that Australia and Carey must have observed that pattern of leaving the crease from Bairstow and moved forward with their plan.

"We must get one fact loud and clear. The keeper would never have a dip at the stumps from that far out in a test match unless he or his team have noticed a pattern of the batter leaving his crease after leaving a ball like Bairstow did. We must applaud the game smarts of the individual rather than skewing it towards unfair play or spirit of the game," Ashwin tweeted.

As per ICC Playing Conditions, rule 20.1.2, Carey was well within his rights to execute the dismissal.

The rule 20.1.2 states: "The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play."