Web Desk, July 4, 2023: England Test captain Ben Stokes Monday responded to The West Australian newspaper in a tickling manner after the paper published a caricature of the cricketer on its front page.
The photoshopped image of Stokes was published after a controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow’s stumping in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
Batting on 10, Bairstow was on his way to developing a crucial partnership with Stokes during the match.
However, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey ran out the batter as he wandered out of the crease.
Australia went on to win the match and now lead the series 2-0.
Stokes’ head was photoshopped onto the body of a baby, complete with a dummy in the mouth, on the front page of the newspaper.
The main headline stated “Crybabies”, with a sub-heading of “Poms take whingeing to new level with ‘cheating’ drivel”.
However, Stokes quoted a tweet of the cover and said: “That’s definitely not me, since when did I bowl with the new ball,” — referring to the highlighted new cricket ball on the page.
Earlier, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) also took strict action after altercations between its members and Australian players, at Lord’s on day five of the second Test on Sunday, over the Bairstow run out.
Three members were suspended after clashes with Usman Khawaja and David Warner in the Long Room as Australia headed to the dressing room for lunch.
The MCC also released a statement apologising “unreservedly” to the Australian cricket team.
“They will not be permitted back to Lord’s whilst the investigation takes place,” it added.
“We maintain that the behaviour of a small number of members was completely unacceptable and whilst there was no suggestion by [Australia captain] Pat Cummins in the post-match press conference that there was any physical altercation, it remains wholly unacceptable to behave in such a way, which goes against the values of the club.
“MCC condemns the behaviour witnessed and once again we re-iterate our apology to Cricket Australia.”