David Warner reveals what went through his head when eco-warriors invaded Lord’s in Ashes Test

Aussie cricketer David Warner has revealed his mindset after a trio of eco-warriors stormed onto the pitch at Lord’s early on day one of the second Ashes Test.

Warner, 36, was off-strike ahead of the second over when the contest was briefly interrupted.

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow showed one of pitch invaders who was boss, manhandling the ‘Just Stop Oil‘ protester, who was carrying orange powder.

A delay followed when Bairstow went up to changeroom and changed into a fresh pair of whites.

Speaking at stumps, Warner admitted he was slightly rattled, but soon regained his focus, blasting 66 from 88 balls in a welcome return to form before he was bowled by Josh Tongue.

Australian star cricketer David Warner has revealed his mindset when a trio of eco-warriors stormed onto Lord’s early on day one of the second Ashes Test

Warner and England captain Ben Stokes block a ‘Just Stop Oil’ protestor at the home of cricket

‘In that instance, we wanted to protect the wicket. We were told to stand away and be careful,’ he said.

‘We know what they [protesters] are trying to do to the wicket, so for us, it was about protecting the wicket and the best interests of what we felt out there. 

I don’t know what that chalk could have done to the wicket, but it would have been a long delay.’

Warner also revealed his team were warned pre-game about the potential for a pitch invasion from the radical activists.

Tongue labelled teammate Bairstow a ‘hero’ after day one.

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow (pictured right) showed one of pitch invaders who was boss, manhandling the ‘Just Stop Oil’ protester and carrying him off the pitch

Warner admitted he was slightly rattled, but soon regained his focus, blasting 66 from 88 balls in a welcome return to form

‘I saw Jonny running after him. If they had put the powder on the wicket, who knows where the game would have been,’ he said.

‘Bit of a hero to be fair, if he didn’t stop him, they could’ve got on the pitch and done something.’

Three people were arrested and taken into custody following the incident, Metropolitan Police confirmed.

Infamously in 1982, Australia quick Terry Alderman damaged his shoulder while tackling a fan who invaded the Perth pitch during an Ashes Test.