Bairstow accused of allegedly headbutting Bancroft
England's Ashes tour has take an unwanted twist. Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 28-year-old has been accused of head-butting Australian opener Cameron Bancroft according to reports in Australia. The incident allegedly took place outside a bar in Perth during the warm-up game earlier this month.
Ashes rocked by headbutt claims
Bancroft was not a part of the warm-up tie and had not even been called up to Test squad at the time of the incident. Police were neither informed about the incident nor did either player take the incident further to their respective boards. The incident was first reported by Fox Sports. It claims that it took place outside the Avenue Bar in Perth.
ECB's statement
"We were made aware of allegations of an incident in Perth three weeks ago. There has been no report of any incident from the venue, security or police. Following an initial conversation with Bairstow tonight we understand the context and will follow up."
First Ben Stokes now Jonny Bairstow
England are already in deep crisis and this report is an unwanted distraction midway through the Ashes series. They have already been forced to leave out all-rounder Ben Stokes after he was arrested following a street brawl in England and will be hoping Baristow does not meet with the similar fate. Stoke is still under investigation but has been suspended for now.