Ashes 2023: Police nabs Lord's pitch invader after latter halts play on Day 1

Australia and England have locked horns in the second Ashes Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Wednesday, June 28. However, during the start of the contest, fans and players witnessed a rather bizarre moment as a pitch invader disrupted play, marking his presence on the field.

However, as per the latest understanding, the pitch invader was arrested moments after the incident by the police, who were seen escorting him out of the venue in London. The protestor was part of the ‘Just Stop Oil’ environmental action group, as he was seen spreading orange powder before being tackled and removed by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and stewards.

The police arrested the pitch invader at Lord's. pic.twitter.com/XJylXbgt14

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 28, 2023

In addition to this, two other people part of the protests have been arrested, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police. 

We are aware of protesters on the Lord’s Cricket Ground pitch today, Wednesday, 28 June.

Police have arrested three people and taken them into custody.

Updates to follow.

— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) June 28, 2023

"We are aware of protesters on the Lord's Cricket Ground pitch today, Wednesday, 28 June. Police have arrested three people and taken them into custody,” the Police tweeted on their official social media handle.

The coalition of environmental action groups, ‘Just Stop Oil’, took onus of their actions and further highlighted that it was not just the license for new oil but also the ongoing climate crisis that they were fighting for.

"Just Stop Oil supporters stormed the pitch at Lord's Cricket Ground in a cloud of orange powder paint and disrupted the Ashes 2023 second Test between England and Australia. It's just not cricket to license new oil, gas and coal whilst the climate crisis knocks us for six,” Just Stop Oil was quoted as saying by BBC.

Speaking about the match, the Three Lions won the toss and decided to field first, keeping in mind the overcast conditions. The Aussies posted 73 runs at Lunch for the loss of a wicket, as Josh Tongue got the prized scalp of Usman Khawaja for 17 runs. Meanwhile, flamboyant southpaw David Warner registered his half century and will be pushing through for a big knock.