MCC apologises to Australian team for alleged abuse by members in Lord's Long Room | Ashes 2023

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has issued an "unreserved apology" to the Australian cricket team after a few of its members allegedly subjected visiting players to abuse in the Lord's Long Room. The incident took place following Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal on the fifth day of the second Ashes Test.

During the 52nd over, Bairstow ducked a slow bouncer from Cameron Green and mistakenly ventured out of the crease, assuming the ball was already 'dead'. However, Alex Carey swiftly broke the stumps, and third umpire Marais Erasmus ruled it as a stumping in favor of Australia.

At the time, England was chasing a challenging target of 371 runs and were at 193 for 5 with Bairstow scoring 10.

As the Australian players walked through the Long Room during the Lunch break, they were met with boos from the Lord's crowd and chants of "same old Aussies, always cheating."

Australian opener Usman Khawaja was seen confronting a member of the MCC, but he was restrained by security guards. David Warner was also observed making a comment to some of the members. The booing continued as the Australian players ascended the stairs.

In response to the incident, the MCC issued a statement.

"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," the statement added.

The Australian team management had requested that the MCC to investigate the incidents involving spectators in the members' area during the lunch break on the fifth day of the Lord's Test. Cricket Australia issued a statement acknowledging the alleged verbal abuse and physical contact directed towards Australian players and staff as they made their way to lunch through the members' area.

(With PTI inputs)