A rather ugly incident took place in the revered Long Room at Lord’s during the Lunch break on day five of the second Ashes Test yesterday (July 02). Alex Carey had stumped Jonny Bairstow out in a controversial manner, leading to emotions running high in the crowd.

When the Australian players walked back to the dressing room through the Long Room, several MCC members were seen verbally abusing the Australians as they went by. Usman Khawaja and David Warner got involved in an exchange of words with one of the members and had to be moved away by security.

Cricket Australia released a statement requesting MCC to investigate the incident. The statement said that Australian players and staff were verbally abused and “physically contacted”.

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MCC have since issued an apology to the Australian team and have released a statement saying that they have suspended three of its members.

“We have unreservedly apologized to the Australian team and will deal with any Member who has not maintained the standard we expect through our disciplinary processes,” read MCC’s apology.

MCC Statement.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/fWYdzx1uhD

— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) July 2, 2023

In their extended statement, the MCC mentioned that they have suspended the three members whom they found were involved in the incident. The members will not be allowed inside Lord’s until the investigation is completed: “Further to the earlier statement, 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.”

MCC condemned the behaviour of the members and re-emphasised their apology to the Australian team. However, they clarified that there was no physical altercation.

“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.

“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.”

With their victory on the final day of the Lord’s Test, Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The third Test will start on July 06 at Headingley.