The ongoing Ashes has been packed with action, with both players and spectators taking part in it, and the cracking contest between England and Australia is spiced up even more. The touring team, Australia, currently has a 2-1 advantage, but each of the three games has featured intense drama. The contentious stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s by Alex Carey, which sparked the discussion about cricket’s spirit, attracted the most attention.

While the cricket community engaged in a heated discussion on the issue online, a strange event involving Carey also surfaced. Former England captain Alastair Cook first brought up the topic during commentary, and The Sun, a British newspaper, later reported that Carey visited a hair salon in Leeds and left the barbershop without paying. As was previously reported, Cricket Australia and former Australia captain Steve Smith both denounced the accusations as false.

Just as the episode started to fade from people’s memories, Smith took a new dig into the newspaper. On Tuesday, he posted a selfie with Carey and mentioned, “I can confirm that Alex Carey has now had a haircut and that he paid for it.”

I can confirm that Alex Carey has now had a haircut and that he paid for it pic.twitter.com/jmNWh75D6j

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) July 18, 2023

Carey and the Australian team have taken the brunt of a lot of criticisms ever since the contentious dismissal in England’s second innings at Lord’s, with many accusing the group for disrespecting the game’s ethos.

Nevertheless, Carey was aware of the rules of the game, which was also applauded by many. In the third game at Headingley, England made a comeback, keeping the series in a good position. The fourth Test, which begins on Wednesday, 19 July in Manchester, is where the Three Lions will attempt to maintain their momentum.

David Warner, who is yet to score big, will open for the Australian Team, according to Australia’s captain Pat Cummins. Additionally, he said Todd Murphy, a spinner, may be benched in order to accommodate all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green. On the other side, England called up 40-year-old James Anderson, who would replace Ollie Robinson in their starting lineup.