Jonny Bairstow’s sledge towards Steve Smith didn’t exactly land where it should have, and the moment consequently went viral.
The Ashes series contested between England and Australia is known for its on field sledging and banter between players of both the teams. Players getting engaged in witty and provocative verbal exchanges, has become an integral part of the series’ history.
But the current series has been a quiet affair so far before as even Kevin Pietersen lashed out at the England players for their friendly approach against the Aussies.
“Now it’s one thing walking in, swanning around saying ‘this is a wonderful team to play in, we’re creating the best environment’,” he said.
“But this is not Ashes cricket. I’ve played Ashes cricket. I’ve played 30 matches against Australia.
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“It’s all too easy and it’s all too nice. Are you telling me Ricky Ponting in 2005 is going to be talking to Geraint Jones? You think Michael Vaughan is going to be standing next to Justin Langer and saying ‘awesome mate, what a cool day…’?
It seemed that England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow took Pietersen’s comments very seriously as he made a sledging attempt towards Steve Smith during the third day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
The incident happened when Smith left a wide delivery from James Anderson and shuffled back into his crease in his own unconventional manner that propelled Bairstow to start an exchange which was caught by the stump mic.
Jonny Bairstow started by saying: “I reckon you’re the next on Strictly Australia”. His sledge was aimed at the famous dance show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
But Bairstow’s attempt missed the mark because the show in Australia is called ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
But the sledge didn’t quite hit the mark because the show, in Australia, is called ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Justifiably, Smith couldn’t pick it instantly, and so he asked Bairstow, “What’s that?”
Bairstow, then replied, “Bit of dancing for you,” to which Smith cheekily said, “Wouldn’t have thought so.”
Interestingly, the bit of sledge came a day after Kevin Pietersen claimed the English players were being too friendly with the Australians.
“It’s all too easy and it’s all too nice. Are you telling me Ricky Ponting in 2005 is going to be talking to Geraint Jones? You think Michael Vaughan is going to be standing next to Justin Langer and saying ‘awesome mate, what a cool day …’?
“Are you joking? Are you absolutely joking? I just hope they’re in that dressing room now and the England coach is giving them the biggest hammering and saying ‘it’s not good enough, it’s absolutely not good enough!’,” Pietersen had said.