Ashes 2023: MCC apologise after members ‘verbally abused’ players

Pat Cummins’ Australian side was walking through the Long Room at Lord’s at lunch during the final day of the second Ashes test when footage shows an apparent exchange of words between spectators and Australian players including Usman Khawaja and David Warner.

Security was forced to intervene and separate the spectators and players.

Usman Khawaja was pulled back by security after speaking to one the members inside the long room ????

????️ “I’ve NEVER seen scenes like that!” pic.twitter.com/2RnjiNssfw

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2023

It followed a dramatic morning in the second Ashes test at Lord’s which included England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow being controversially dismissed by his Australian counterpart Alex Carey.

MCC issues apology following an incident in the Long Room at Lord’s

The MCC has released a statement this afternoon apologising for the incident between spectators and the Australian players during the second Ashes test.

A spokesperson for the MCC 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.”

The Australian Cricket Team has requested the MCC investigate the incident involving spectators and its players. (Image: PA)

Australian Cricket team requests investigation into Long Room incident

The apology comes after the Australian Cricket Team requested the MCC investigate the incident in which its players were “verbally abused” and some “physically contacted”.

A spokesperson for Australia said: “Australian management has requested the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) investigate several incidents involving spectators in the members’ area during lunch on day five of the Lord’s Test.

“It is alleged players and staff from the Australian team were verbally abused, with some being physically contacted, as they made their way to lunch through the members’ area.”