Lineker makes cheeky comment on Lord’s Just Stop Oil protest as England slammed

Gary Lineker has jokingly asked if the Just Stop Oil protesters can bowl for England as Ben Stokes’ side struggled on the first day of the second Ashes Test. The match was briefly delayed shortly after play commenced on Wednesday and the Match of the Day presenter has taken a dig at England’s performance.

Three protesters ran onto the Lord’s outfield just one over into the day’s play. Orange powder was thrown but the players prevented any of the substance from getting on the 22-yard strip.

Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow took matters into his own hands and carried one of the protesters off the pitch. Stokes also stopped another from getting onto the wicket.

Groundstaff hoovered up the powder before play could re-commence several minutes later. The Metropolitan Police have made three arrests for what has become a common protest at sporting events.

England had chosen to field first after losing the first Test at Edgbaston last week. The hosts were hoping for a positive start as they attempt to win back the Urn.

However, there was just one wicket before lunch and just a further one by the tea interval despite favourable bowling conditions. Lineker couldn’t help himself from making a jibe towards the under-performing England team.

He responded to a tweet which reported the incident from earlier in the day. He joked: “Can he bowl please?”, referring to one of the protesters.

Australia were rampant at 190-2 at the time of Lineker’s tweet. The tourists’ two best batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were putting England to the sword.

England did get a wicket shortly after tea when Ollie Robinson had Labuschagne caught behind. That only brought Travis Head to the crease, who scored a blistering 77 off just 73 balls.

Former captain Joe Root, playing as England’s sole spinner, came up with the goods late on to get both Head and Cameron Green in the space of four balls. But it was very much Australia’s day after being inserted as they reached 339-5, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 85.

Perhaps to England’s relief, the major story will be the protest from the morning session. The Met Police confirmed in a statement that arrests had been made.

The statement read: “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.”