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Rishi Sunak hails England cricketer Jonny Bairstow as a hero for carting an eco-activist from the Ashes pitch

ENGLAND cricket ace Jonny Bairstow was hailed a hero by PM Rishi Sunak today for carting an eco-activist off the Ashes pitch.

The wicketkeeper picked up yob Daniel Knorr, 21, at Lord’s and showed timid police exactly how they should be dealing with disruptive protesters.



England's Johnny Bairstow carrying a Just Stop Oil protestor off the pitch during day one of the second Ashes test match at Lord's, London. Picture date: Wednesday June 28, 2023. PA Photo. See PA Story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the ECB. Still image use only. No moving images to emulate broadcast. No removing or obscuring of sponsor logos.
England’s Johnny Bairstow was hailed as a hero by PM Rishi Sunak after carrying an eco-activist off the Ashes pitch

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: Jonny Bairstow of England tackles a "Just Stop Oil" pitch invader during Day One of the LV= Insurance Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
He showed timid police exactly how they should be dealing with yobs

Cricket - Ashes - Second Test - England v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 28, 2023 Just stop oil protesters run onto the field during the game Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Two other activists tried to hurl orange powder over the pitch

Knorr and two others had been trying to hurl orange powder over the pitch but were stopped before they could trample on the wicket.

Last night, 33-year-old Yorkshireman Bairstow’s quick game-saving actions were praised by the PM.

Cricket fan Mr Sunak said: “These Labour backed eco-zealots have disrupted one too many sporting events that Brits around the country look forward to every summer.

“Jonny Bairstow did a heroic job of stepping in to stop the Just Stop Oil intruders from causing further disruption to the cricket and we will ensure the police do the same on the streets of the UK and beyond.”

Lee Anderson, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, posted a picture of Oxford University student Knorr being bundled away and wrote: “Proper policing. That’s how you deal with these lunatics.”

Fan Sam Farley said: “Jonny Bairstow carrying off a Just Stop Oil protester like he’s putting the ironing board away.”

Sun columnist and Talk TV presenter Piers Morgan said: “Jonny putting the rubbish out.”

England skipper Ben Stokes also tried to stop one of the protesters, who stormed the pitch five minutes after play started in the first day of the second test.

The match resumed after a ten-minute delay.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

It follows similar stunts at the World Snooker Championships and the rugby Premiership final at Twickenham.

Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord’s, in North West London, blasted the activists.

Chief executive Guy Lavender said: “Their actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground, but they have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events, not just here at Lord’s but around the country at other sporting venues.”

Police have faced criticism for standing by while activists carry out disruptive protests, although laws were tightened this month to allow them to intervene earlier.



Security grab a Just Stop Oil protester during day one of the second Ashes test match at Lord's, London. Picture date: Wednesday June 28, 2023. PA Photo. See PA Story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the ECB. Still image use only. No moving images to emulate broadcast. No removing or obscuring of sponsor logos.
The match resumed after a ten-minute delay after the activists were apprehended

Cricket - Ashes - Second Test - England v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 28, 2023 England's Ben Stokes with a just stop oil protester Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Three people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: A "Just Stop Oil" protester is taken away by Police officers during Day One of the LV= Insurance Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
It follows similar stunts at the World Snooker Championships and the rugby Premiership final at Twickenham