Just Stop Oil protestors have invaded the Lord's cricket ground ahead of play for the second Ashes test which gets underway today.

Play was briefly delayed as protestors ran onto the ground with orange powder much to the crowd's disapproval.

Security, police and players swamped the invaders to prevent them from damaging the pitch.

England's wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow played his part, to stop the protestors getting to the pitch, running onto the ground, picking up one of the invaders and carrying them off the ground. 

Boos could be heard ringing around Lord's as police escorted the Just Stop Oil protestors away.

Speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special, commentator Jonathan Agnew said: “Jonny Bairstow’s dander was up there, he was like a flanker. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again, let’s hope that’s the one attack on the Ashes this year.”

Ricky Ponting, speaking in the Sky Sports studio, felt for the players after the hotly-anticipated match was halted so early in the battle.

The Northern Echo: Three people have been arrested following the incident at Lord's.Three people have been arrested following the incident at Lord's. (Image: PA)

Ponting said: “As a batter in the build-up you just want to get out there and under way. Delays are not ideal for anyone.

“The batters just need to put something like this out of their mind.”

The Metropolitan Police said three people have been arrested following the incident.