NEW DELHI: An unusual and bizarre incident kicked off the proceedings of the second Ashes Test at Lord's in London as a couple of pitch invaders temporarily halted play on Wednesday.
Soon after the first over of the morning session from James Anderson came to an end, two 'Just Stop Oil' protesters ran on to the ground and scattered orange powder on the field. The two men emerged from the stands and ran towards the square before releasing the powder.
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had to then step in as he carried away one of the men off the field on his shoulder while the ground staff cleared the other person from the field of play.
Bairstow then went to the dressing room and returned after changing his shirt as play resumed after a delay of 5-10 minutes.
"We are aware of protesters on the Lord’s Cricket Ground pitch today. Police have arrested three people and taken them into custody," the Metropolitan Police said.
1/9:Just Stop Oil protesters halt second Ashes Test at Lord's
2/9:Bairstow carries invader off the field
<p>England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow wrestled a protester to the ground as climate activists briefly interrupted play on the first day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Wednesday.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
3/9:Protesters release orange powder
<p>After the first over bowled by England's James Anderson, the men emerged from the stands and moved towards the square sprinkling the group's trademark orange powder before being tackled by security staff and players.<br /><br /><br /></p>Reuters
4/9:Bairstow acts promptly
<p>Bairstow picked up one of the men and carried him off the field before dropping him to the ground outside the boundary markers.<br /></p>Reuters
5/9:Stokes-Warner stop the other protester
<p>England captain Ben Stokes and Australia batter David Warner corralled the other protester. Some orange powder was released but only on the grass, away from the pitch.<br /></p>Reuters
6/9:Protesters booed by spectators at Lord's
<p>A third protester was tackled before making it onto the outfield. Spectators booed the protesters as they were led away by stewards.<br /></p>AP
7/9:Play resumes after brief delay
<p>Following a delay of several minutes while the orange powder was removed by ground-staff, play resumed with Broad bowling from the Nursery End.<br /></p>Reuters
8/9:'Three people are taken into custody'
<p>"We are aware of protesters on the Lord’s Cricket Ground pitch today. Police have arrested three people and taken them into custody," the Metropolitan Police said.<br /></p>Reuters
9/9:Just Stop Oil disrupted other sporting events too
<p>Just Stop Oil, which wants an end to new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, have disrupted other sporting events in England this year, including the Premiership Rugby final and the World Snooker Championship.<br /><br /><br /></p>APJust Stop Oil protestors have disrupted other major sporting events in Britain this year. They held up the England team bus briefly during the Test against Ireland in London this month, and have targeted Premier League soccer matches, the Premiership rugby final at Twickenham, and the world snooker championship in Sheffield.
The activists want the British government to stop new fuel licensing and production.
A Just Stop Oil 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 onto the streets and demand action from this illegitimate, criminal government."
Marylebone Cricket Club chief executive Guy Lavender said he "condemns in the strongest possible terms" the action.
Rishi Sunak's spokesman said the UK Prime Minister was "pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow and other England players who stepped in".
UK police forces were controversially granted new anti-protest powers by the government earlier this year following years of disruptive demonstrations by environmental activists.
"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," Sunak's spokesman added.
(With inputs from agencies)
