England cricketer Jonny Bairstow has been praised by Rishi Sunak after carrying a Just Stop Oil activist off the pitch at Lord’s as a protest disrupted the second Ashes Test.
The prime minister hailed the wicket-keeper’s “swift hands” and the actions of Ben Stokes’ team in preventing a prolonged stoppage.
Three people were arrested over the pitch invasion, in which orange paint was thrown.
Bairstow picked up one protester and carried him off the field to applause before going into the pavilion to change his shirt.
A second Just Stop Oil protester also made it onto the pitch but was hauled off by security staff, while David Warner and Stokes could be seen intervening. A third protester was stopped before entering the field of play.
A statement from Just Stop Oil said a “69-year old-grandmother from Epsom” was one of those taking action, but she did not make it onto the pitch.
Marylebone Cricket Club, which own Lord’s, said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s pitch incursion and the behaviour of the protesters involved.
Bairstow carried off the protester and ended up covered in orange paint— (Getty Images)
“Their actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground, but they have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events, not just here at Lord’s but around the country at other sporting venues.”
Mr Sunak’s official spokesman said: “These sorts of selfish, guerrilla tactics that target events bringing joy to millions are exactly why the government brought in new powers so the police can take swift action.
“The prime minister is pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow and other England players who stepped in.”
Just Stop Oil said the activists were “demanding the UK government immediately halt new oil, gas and coal projects in the UK, and are calling on Lord’s to make a statement demanding an end to new fossil fuels.”
England captain Ben Stokes intervenes as Bairstow drags off the other protester— (Getty Images)
A spokesperson said: “Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England vs Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in? It’s time for cricket lovers and all those who understand the severity of this situation to get on to the streets and demand action from this illegitimate, criminal government.”
The match resumed at the start of the second over as Stuart Broad began his spell, however it was soon halted again for around 15 minutes amid drizzly conditions.
Just Stop Oil have targeted several sporting events this year and managed to disrupt the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible in April and the Premiership Rugby final at Twickenham in May.
The England cricketers’ team bus was briefly halted by Just Stop Oil protesters last month as they made their way to Lord’s for the summer’s opening Test match against Ireland.
Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Matt Twist said earlier this week that policing Just Stop Oil has cost £5.5m since April, on top of the £7.5m spent policing the series of protests it staged between last October and December.
Commentator Jonathan Agnew told the BBC’s Test Match Special: “Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again, let’s hope that’s the one attack on the Ashes this year.”
