England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow wrestled a protester to the ground before carrying the pitch invader off the field during the first day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Wednesday.
Just before Stuart Broad bowled the second over, two Just Stop Oil protestors ran out of the grandstand and onto the outfield, sprinkling the group’s signature orange powder on the square but not on the pitch.
Bairstow seized one of the protestors and escorted them off the pitch, while the other was apprehended by stewards.
A third protester was stopped before entering the playing field.
As stewards led the protesters away, the audience jeered at them.
The Metropolitan Police stated later that three individuals had been arrested.
After a delay of several minutes caused by the removal of the orange powder by the grounds crew, play resumed with Broad bowling from the Nursery End.
Just Stop Oil, an organisation that opposes new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, has disrupted a number of sporting events, including the British Grand Prix of Formula One and the Premiership Rugby Final.
Protesters have tied themselves to goalposts during Premier League games and thrown orange powder onto the green baize during the World Snooker Championships.
Earlier this month, Just Stop Oil also delayed the England team bus on its way to Lord’s for the sole Test against Ireland.
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.
A brief delay at Lord's due to protestors invading the pitch, but they're swiftly dealt with – with Jonny Bairstow helping remove one of them from the field. pic.twitter.com/xkp315Y9I2
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 28, 2023
