Australia captain Pat Cummins hilariously tried to run out a child while playing cricket at a promotional event in Sydney on Sunday. Cummins was present with women’s team captain Alyssa Healy at the Woolworth’s Cricket Blast event, where Cricket Australia promotes sporting activities to children.

The incident occurred when Australia’s ODI and Test captain bowled an off spinner, which pitched on good length, spun into the batter and ended up in the harbour. When the child at the non-striker went to check where the ball had gone, Cummins (who had another ball in his hand) tried to run him out.

The incident reminded social media of the Jonny Bairstow incident, which had happened in the Ashes 2023, last year.

Jonny Bairstow’s Dismissal at Ashes 2023

Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in 2023 sparked intense debate about the spirit of cricket. Bairstow was stumped by Alex Carey after wandering out of his crease at the end of an over, with the third umpire upholding Australia’s appeal. The incident highlighted the nuances of cricket’s laws and the role of the umpires in determining when the ball is considered “dead” and the players’ responsibilities in adhering to those laws.

On the fifth day of the second Ashes Test, Jonny Bairstow was batting for England when he ducked under a short delivery from Cameron Green. As he got up from his duck, Bairstow began to walk out of his crease, assuming the over had ended. However, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey quickly threw the ball back at the stumps, catching Bairstow off guard. The umpires referred the decision to the third umpire, who ultimately declared Bairstow out stumped.

The Laws of Cricket, specifically Law 20.1.2, state that the ball is considered “dead” when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play. In this case, the ball was not yet deemed “dead” as the umpires had not called “over” and the fielding side had not indicated that the ball was out of play.

The dismissal was met with boos from the home crowd and sparked heated discussions about whether the dismissal was within the spirit of cricket. Former England captains Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting defended the Australian team’s actions, stating that Bairstow was “dozy” and should have been more aware of his position on the field. They argued that the dismissal was legal and did not compromise the spirit of the game.

On the other hand, England’s Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum felt that Australia had breached the spirit of cricket. Stokes questioned whether he would want to win a game in such a manner, implying that the Australians had not acted in the spirit of the game.