Ashes 2023: Three MCC members suspended after altercation with Australia in Lord’s Long Room

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has suspended three members after Cricket Australia reported “several incidents involving spectators in the members area” following alleged abuse of players during lunch on day five of the Lord’s Test.

In remarkable scenes, Australia pair David Warner and Usman Khawaja appeared to remonstrate with spectators in the Long Room as they returned to the dressing room for lunch.

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Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped by Alex Carey as the ball was still deemed to be in play whilst the batsman walked out of his crease

After Cricket Australia called for an investigation, a statement was been released by the MCC, stating: “MCC can confirm it has suspended three members identified from earlier today.

“They will not be permitted back to Lord’s whilst the investigation takes place and were 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 condemns the behaviour witnessed and once again we re-iterate our apology to Cricket Australia. We are thoroughly disappointed to be talking about poor behaviour when the Long Room, as stated by 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.”

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Speaking after Australia’s 43-run victory, captain Pat Cummins said: “The MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members. I think some of them might lose their membership over the way they behaved.

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“Other than that one time, they were fantastic all week. The members here are normally fantastic and really welcoming.

“Something special about playing at Lord’s is you feel like you’re at a really special place surrounded by people who just share a love of the game.”

Earlier in the day, an MCC spokesperson had said: “The Long Room is unique in world cricket and the great privilege of players passing through the Pavilion is very special. After this morning’s play, emotions were running high, and words were unfortunately exchanged with some of the Australian team, by a small number of members.

“We have unreservedly apologised to the Australian Team and will deal with any member who has not maintained the standard we expect through our disciplinary processes. It was not necessary to eject anyone from the ground and I am pleased to say that there was no repeat of this as the players resumed the field for this afternoon’s session.”

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Kevin Pietersen shared his thoughts on Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal

The scenes all stemmed from the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey throwing the ball at the stumps as Bairstow walked out of his crease.

England felt the decision was harsh, assuming that the ball was dead. Tempers frayed in the aftermath, with Bairstow very unhappy as he left the pitch, with several other players seen arguing before the teams left the field of play for lunch.

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