The atmosphere at Headingley will be such that the strongest characters and coolest heads will prevail: Michael Atherton

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton feels that England supporters will be hoping that the team would use the outcry or sense of injustice surrounding Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal as motivation for the rest of the Ashes series. Ben Stokes and his men are currently trailing the five-match series by 0-2, must need a strong showing to get back into the match.

Since the conclusion of the Lord's Test, a lot has been discussed about the incident involving Jonny Bairstow. Due to the fact that both captains were questioned about the incident during their press conference prior to the third game, it hasn't demonstrated any signs of calming down. Additionally, the furious Headingley crowd in Leeds will not absolve the Aussies of the act.

Both teams will be charged up in the upcoming third Test, as England will be aiming to bounce back while Australia will be aiming to secure another win in order to retain the Urn. Speaking of the game, Atherton, in his column for the Times, said:

“What they hope above all, though, is that the controversy over the Bairstow stumping will galvanize their players to the extent that the small margins that meant Australia prevailed in the first two matches are overcome. It is impossible to say how, or if at all, the post-Lord’s hubbub will affect either side, but the atmosphere will be such that the strongest characters and coolest heads will prevail.”

When prime ministers of both countries dive in, you know the issue has cut through: Atherton

The controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow's dismissal quickly spilled outside the boundaries of the ground. Usman Khawaja was even accosted by MCC members in Lord's famous Long Room as a result of the heightened tensions. Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, also had an opinion on the topic because he supported Ben Stokes and upheld the 'Spirit of Cricket' narrative.

However, in reaction to the opinions of his English counterpart, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted in defense of Pat Cummins and his team's move. With Prime Ministers of both countries now involved in the entire scene, Atherton noted the fact and further opined:

“The Ashes has run the gamut of controversies, from sledging and chucking to bouncers and beyond, but no story in recent times, perhaps, has fed into so many strands of our shared cricketing history. When the prime ministers of both countries dive in, then you know the issue has cut through.”