Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) issued an official statement after Cricket Australia asked the governing body to investigate several incidents involving spectators in the members’ area during lunch on day 5 of the Lord’s Test.
Day 5 of the just concluded second Ashes Test was marred by verbal spat between the Australian players and the members area spectators at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The incident took place after both teams had gone upstairs for lunch.
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When the Australian team approached for lunch, they were booed by the crowd, particularly at the departure of Jonny Bairstow. The visitors were confronted by some MCC members when video that went viral on the internet showed David Warner and Usman Khawaja as the victims.
Also Read: Watch: ‘Furious’ Stuart Broad blasts Alex Carey after Jonny Bairstow’s controversial run at Lord’s
Both Australian openers were also furious and had something to say to the MCC club. Security guards had to intervene and prevented the fight, escorting the player to the locker room. After the incident, Cricket Australia requested MCC to look into the matter.
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Posting the official statement, they said: “The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been requested by Australian management to investigate several incidents involving spectators in the members area during lunch on the fifth day of the Lord’s Test.
Players and staff from the Australian team are alleged to have been verbally abused, and some physically contacted, as they made their way to lunch through the members’ area.
Also read: Ugly scenes! See: Usman Khawaja, David Warner involved in altercation with members of Lord’s Long Room
Ashes 2023: ‘Will deal with any member who hasn’t upheld standard’, MCC issues official statement after spectators feast on Australia players at Lord’s over lunch
Following the incident, MCC issued an official statement and apologized to the Australian team. They added that they did not feel the need to expel anyone and assured that things like this will not happen again. They explained:
“The Long Room is unique in the world of cricket, and the great privilege of the players passing through the Pavilion is very special. After the game this morning, emotions were running high and unfortunately a small number of members exchanged words with some members of the Australian team.
“We have apologized unreservedly to the Australian team and will deal with any member who has not upheld the standard we expect through our disciplinary processes. No one needed to be ejected from the ground, and we are pleased to say that this was not repeated when the players returned to the pitch for this afternoon’s session.”
MCC Statement.#ashes pic.twitter.com/fWYdzx1uhD
— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) July 2, 2023
Going into the second test, Australia took a 43-run victory. England captain Ben Stokes played blindfold and scored 151 runs while chasing 371 runs. But ultimately he couldn’t finish the game as the visitors took a 2-0 lead.
Also read: Ashes 2023: Ian Chappell criticizes England batsmen for ‘wild and woolly’ shot selection at Lord’s
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