Pat Cummins has reiterated his belief in the spirit of cricket and described his players’ interpretation of it as “impeccable”. Australia’s captain is braced for a hostile reception when the third Ashes Test begins at Headingley on Thursday, and has requested extra protection for the team’s families in case they become the subjects of abuse.
The atmosphere at Lord’s on Sunday became so vitriolic – when Australia’s dismissal of Jonny Bairstow caused indignation in England’s dressing room and fury in the stands – that Steve Smith’s mother, who is English, felt it necessary to leave the ground early, while the child of one of the team’s support staff was moved to tears.
