MCC unreservedly apologizes after members abuse Australian players

Tempers flared up on the fifth day of the second Test between Australia and England when Alex Carey ran out a ‘careless’ Jonny Bairstow before Lunch. Bairstow wasn’t pleased with the decision and was evidently visibly chatting with the umpires and the Australian fielders. 

But the incident's aftermath was seen at the Lord’s Long Room when the Australian players walked off the field at Lunch. Videos emerged of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) members hurling abuses at the Australian players as they climbed the stairs en route to the dressing room. 

Fair to say a few of the members at Lords aren’t happy with the… laws of the game? 😂#TheAshes 2nd Test | Live, on Channel 9 & 9Now.#9WWOS #Cricket #Ashes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/jdkIBHrlLJ

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 2, 2023

Immediately, the Australian management had requested the MCC to investigate the incident, and the reports from various sources in Australia added that there was some visible physical contact with the players. 

"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,” read the statement from the Australian management. 

MCC have responded to that with an apology, stating that a small number of Members were seen ‘exchanging’ words with the Australian team. 

"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,” read MCC’s statement. 

"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."