It comes after concern that images of empty seats in the Lord’s pavilion being broadcast around the world could damage the premier club’s reputation.

According to a bulletin sent to its members on Tuesday, member ticket sales for the match are “very low’, with less than half being sold.

The shortage of member tickets being sold may stem from the fact that, although members receive free tickets to Test matches and bi-lateral ODI series throughout the year, they are asked to pay £45 each for World Cup tickets. The MCC has attempted to address this issue by pre-emptively inviting children from selected schools in the local area to watch Tuesday’s match from the pavilion.