The second Ashes Test at Lord’s took a controversial turn when Australia experienced “aggressive and abusive” behaviour from MCC members in the Long Room during the lunch break. The incident occurred after a contentious morning session that involved the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The scenes escalated when Australian players Usman Khawaja and David Warner confronted the MCC members, leading to their suspension and condemnation from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Following the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, which sparked controversy, the Lord’s crowd expressed their displeasure by booing and chanting derogatory remarks aimed at the Australian team. As the players walked off the field, video footage captured Khawaja and Warner engaging in a confrontation with MCC members in the Long Room. Khawaja described the scenes as disrespectful and objected to the allegations made by the individuals involved.
In response to the incident, the MCC announced the suspension of three members identified as being involved in the confrontations. The suspended members will not be allowed back into Lord’s during the investigation. The MCC emphasized that the behaviour exhibited by a small number of members was entirely unacceptable and contrary to the values of the club. The organization expressed disappointment in having to address poor behaviour, especially in a space like the Long Room, which is typically known for its welcoming atmosphere.
MCC statement added: “They will not be permitted back to Lord’s whilst the investigation takes place and is informed of this by MCC chief executive, Guy Lavender, this evening. We maintain that the behaviour of a small number of members was completely unacceptable and, whilst there was no suggestion by Pat Cummins in the post-match press conference that there was any physical altercation, it remains wholly unacceptable to behave in such a way, which goes against the values of the club.”
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MCC further added, “MCC condemns the behaviour witnessed, and once again, we reiterate our apology to Cricket Australia. We are thoroughly disappointed to be talking about poor behaviour when the Long Room, as stated by [Australia captain] Pat Cummins himself, is otherwise renowned for being ‘really welcoming’. It has been a thrilling day to finish off a wonderful five days of Test cricket.”
Fair to say a few of the members at Lords aren’t happy with the… laws of the game? 😂#TheAshes 2nd Test | Live, on Channel 9 & 9Now.#9WWOS #Cricket #Ashes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/jdkIBHrlLJ
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 2, 2023
Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment his team received from the MCC members. However, he emphasized that he did not want the tradition of walking past the MCC members when entering or leaving the Lord’s pitch to be abandoned. Despite the confrontations, Cummins acknowledged the typically warm reception the team had experienced in the Long Room in the past.
