'Arise Sir Ben Stokes': Fans 'frustrated' over irritating Barmy Army tactic
The Barmy Army has attempted to lift their team after flying a banner over Edgbaston asking for a knighthood for Ben Stokes.
The second day of the first Test kicked off with James Pattinson marking his return in the baggy green with a wicket.
But as the Aussies celebrated Jason Roy’s departure fans noticed a plane flying over the stadium.
The plane was carrying a banner reading: “Arise Sir Ben Stokes - Barmy Army”.
Some fans made fun of the apparent call to grant Stokes a knighthood for his heroics in the ODI World Cup because he was born in New Zealand.
Barmy noisy request for a knighthood for Stokes. Don’t they have to run that past Jacinda Ardern? #Ashes
— Testmatch (@tiedgo) August 2, 2019
But for most people it was the noise the plane was making at the ground and on TV that frustrated fans.
Bloody barmy army. I love them but that plane message, the noise is horrid
— Kate Wall (@TheKateWall) August 2, 2019
This plane is more frustrating than yesterday’s umpiring #Ashes
— Adrian Burke (@A_Burke21) August 2, 2019
The 12th man just took to the skies over Edgbaston!! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/FQPmwDzNCP
— Lord Morvidus (@morvidus) August 2, 2019
Guessing by the noise coming from tv that there is a plane circling Edgbaston. #Ashes
— Barry Rose (@bazzrose) August 2, 2019
Anger of Smith century reaction
English fans have drawn the ire of the rest of the cricketing world after some savage treatment of Steve Smith on the opening day of the Ashes.
Smith picked up right where he left off on day one at Edgbaston, brushing aside some awful barbs and boos to produce one of his "best hundreds" while lifting Australia to a total of 284.
Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all booed as they entered and left the field of play on Thursday, England fans not eager to let them forget their ball-tampering shame.