The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has put a suspension on three members following disagreements with Australian cricketers at Lord’s during the fifth day of the second Ashes Test.
Footage from TV broadcasts seemed to capture incidents between Usman Khawaja and David Warner and spectators in the Long Room, as the Australian team left the field for lunch.
The confrontations ensued after a contentious stumping of England’s Jonny Bairstow by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia’s batter, Khawaja, labelled the remarks from spectators as “disrespectful”.
In response to the event, the MCC issued an “unreserved” apology before declaring that it had suspended the three members involved.
While the investigation is ongoing, the MCC stated in a press release, “these members will not be allowed back into Lord’s”.
The MCC further added, “we assert that the conduct of a few members was entirely inappropriate. Even though Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, did not indicate any physical scuffle in the post-game press conference, such behaviour, contrary to the club’s values, is absolutely unacceptable.
“MCC denounces the observed behaviour and we want to emphasise our apology to Cricket Australia once more.”
Khawaja expressed disappointment at the members’ conduct, and Cummins suggested that some members could lose their membership due to their behaviour.
Describing his feelings, Khawaja said, “Lord’s is one of the places I love to visit. Respect is always prevalent here, especially in the members’ pavilion in the Long Room, but not today. Some remarks coming from the members were really disappointing, and I chose not to tolerate them in silence. I engaged with some of them, calling them out on their allegations, which I found disrespectful.”
Cricket Australia urged the MCC to conduct a thorough investigation, stating initially that players had been both “physically touched” and verbally insulted.
Operating from Lord’s, which it owns, the MCC serves as the steward and referee of cricket’s laws and spirit.
“We have apologised without reservations to the Australian team,” declared the MCC in a statement.
The atmosphere heated up post Carey’s stumping dismissal of Bairstow, who had left his crease apparently thinking the ball was no longer in play at the end of England’s 52nd over in their second innings.
Australian cricketers received boos, and both teams’ players exchanged words as they retired for lunch, after which confrontations between Khawaja, Warner and members seemed to occur.
“MCC apologised for the behaviour of some of their members,” noted Cummins.
“Some might lose their membership due to their conduct. Except for this one incident, they have been excellent throughout the week. Generally, they’re very welcoming. However, their aggressive and abusive attitudes towards some of our players were not received well by the MCC.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ashes 2023 MCC Suspension
What led to the suspension of three MCC members during the Ashes 2023?
The suspension of three MCC members occurred due to altercations between them and Australian players at Lord’s during the second Test. Television footage showed clashes in the Long Room as Australia walked off for lunch.
What actions did the MCC take regarding the incident?
The MCC issued an unreserved apology and suspended the three members identified from the incident. They will not be allowed back to Lord’s while the investigation takes place.
What was the reaction of the Australian players and Cricket Australia?
Australia requested an investigation, stating that players had been verbally abused and physically contacted. Cricket Australia received an apology from the MCC and expressed their concerns over the behavior witnessed.
What were the comments made by Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins?
Usman Khawaja expressed disappointment with the disrespectful comments made by the members and called for better behavior. Pat Cummins mentioned that some members might lose their memberships due to their aggressive and abusive behavior.
How did the MCC address the incident?
The MCC condemned the behavior of the members and reiterated their apology to Cricket Australia. They emphasized that the actions of a few members were completely unacceptable and went against the values of the club.
More about Ashes 2023 MCC Suspension
- BBC Sport: Ashes 2023: MCC suspends three members over Australia Long Room confrontations
- ESPN Cricinfo: Three MCC members suspended over Long Room incidents
- The Guardian: MCC suspends three members after confrontation with Australia players
- Sky Sports: The Ashes 2023: MCC suspends three members over Australia Long Room confrontations
