On the first day of Ashes 2023, the match was interrupted by two protesters who identified themselves with the activist group Just Stop Oil. The disruption happened after two climate change protesters invaded the pitch carrying orange powder paint.
Ashes 2023, which is being held between England and Australia in England. The first match was won by Australia, which also recently won the WTC final against India. Now they’re playing in the Ashes, while the Indian Team is in the West Indies for their Tests, ODIs, and T20 tournaments ahead of the World Cup 2023. Also, the ICC has announced the official schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023.
By the time they could reach the pitch, they were stopped by the players and security officials. The incident took place just before the start of the second over of the match. Two men who had worn Just Stop Oil t-shirts came onto the ground running from the Grand Stand with orange in their hands.
The video of this incident is being widely shared on social media. Several users are appreciating Jonny Bairstow, who picked up and lifted one of the protesters off the pitch.
What is Just Stop Oil Protest?
After the Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain, the environmental activist organization Just Stop Oil was established, with leaders from both movements at the head. After several protests, the movement first attracted attention in March 2022.
Pitch invasions at several Premier League football stadiums made up the bulk of these demonstrations, with one activist tying himself to a goalpost. Since then, there have been a number of major protests, including disturbances at oil terminals and the current situation during the 2023 Ashes.
The Just Stop Oil group wants the English government to halt new licenses for the exploration of oil and other fossil fuels in the United Kingdom.
Jonny Bairstow lifted one of the protesters off the pitch
When the protesters got past the security, they started running towards the pitch. While they were running towards the pitch, Jonny Bairstow lifted him and dropped him off the field. While one of them was prevented from entering the pitch by Ben Stokes and David Warner before stewards grabbed hold of him.
After the incident, all the protesters were handed over to the police, and the match was carried out after a delay of about six minutes.
