STICKY WICKET

Lord's row simmering on as Sunak backs Stokes in Aussie 'cheat' row

- BEN GLAZE

BEING the leader of the Tory Party, Rishi Sunak knows all about skulduggery...

So for once we can believe him when he accused the Aussies of poor gamesmanship after the controversial dismissal of England player Jonny Bairstow in the Ashes Test at Lord's.

It is a highly unusual step for a Prime Minister, and it risks sparking a diplomatic row.

Asked whether Mr Sunak believes Australia's actions were not in keeping with the spirit of cricket, his spokesman said: "Yes."

He added: "The Prime Minister agrees with [England captain] Ben Stokes. He said he wouldn't want to win a game in the manner Australia did."

It could become the biggest cricketing dispute between the nations since the infamous Bodyline series of 90 years ago.