Well here’s a weird one, and certainly a thing that adds some modicum of spice to the Ashes proceedings: There’s word now circulating that English wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow headbutted Australian debutant Cameron Bancroft at a bar in Perth a couple of weeks back.
The incident reportedly happened around four weeks ago at the Avenue Hotel in Perth where, according to Fox Sports, players from both the English side and a Western Australian XI team had gathered following the conclusion of England’s tour opening warm-up match. At this point, Bancroft had not been selected for the Australian test side, and was not in the frame of selection discussion.
The Western Australian side had previously gone out for drinks at the Ocean Beach Hotel in Cottesloe, before moving on to The Avenue where they encountered members of the English side.
Fox Sports’ Neroli Meadows reported last night that the meeting culminated when Bairstow “connected his head with the side of Cam Bancroft’s head.” Meadows also reported that this incident was the impetus behind the heated sledging Bairstow copped from the Australian side during England’s second innings at the Gabba.
I understand there was an incident in a bar in Perth, The Avenue, where Jonny Bairstow’s head connected with the side of Cam Bancroft’s.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) November 26, 2017
It was allegedly when England was there for the tour match, before Bancroft was selected in the Test side. https://t.co/CWMyryYl6w
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) November 26, 2017
Police were not involved & the matter went no further. But I understand that is what the heated sledging to Bairstow was referring to today. https://t.co/NM2tvFJjyt
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) November 26, 2017
The English Cricket Board released a statement after being made aware of the incident after the close of play yesterday, asserting that they will be following up with their players and staff at the conclusion of the First Test today.
Official ECB statement. @FOXSportsNews pic.twitter.com/KzCaxEz3QK
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) November 26, 2017
BBC cricket reporter Jonathan Agnew further detailed the incident, stating that although the group carried on drinking together after the incident, the tensions between the two sides this summer would not be helped by it.
I understand from the camp that Bairstow and Bancroft were having a drink together. Their heads met. They carried on drinking together. More ammo for accusations of a drink culture, but this will not help relations between the teams.
Police have not been involved in the investigation and it’s understood that Bairstow subsequently apologised to Bancroft.
But still, more fuel for the banter fire. It’s a hot summer of cricket, mates.
