The recent cricket controversy of the 2023 Ashes Series has now made its way to the rugby field. Australian National Rugby League side the Canberra Raiders have taken a dig at the English cricket team, after England’s batsman Jonny Bairstow was dismissed in rather dubious circumstances.
The Raiders scored a try in their NRL match against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, and follow it up with a hilarious celebration, inspired by the recent events from the Ashes. The Raiders head to the corner flag, with English player Elliot Whitehead stepping up to ‘bat’.
The rugby ball is thrown over his head by try-scorer Jordan Rapana, and caught by the stand-in wicket keeper Zac Woodford. The Raiders number nine then imitated Alex Carey, by throwing the ball at the ‘stumps’, as Englishman Whitehead started to walk outside of his crease.
The celebration was made all that more impactful, given the fact that it took place during SportsBet’s Try July campaign. This month, SportsBet are donating $5,000 for every try celebration in the NRL. The Fox League matchday commentator Dan Ginnane called the action, with an expert analysis of the celebration.
“Oh the stumping, and the Pom (Aussie slang for English) is out.”
“Sportsbet, and I can say this is with authority, that’s worth more than $5,000”