‘Disappoints me greatly’: MCC restricts members’ access to Lord’s Pavilion after Ashes Test incident

Marylebone Cricket Club members who verbally abused Australian players during the second Ashes Test have brought “shame” on the institution, according to the chairman, while access within the Lord’s Pavilion has been reduced following the ordeal.

The normally sedate London ground erupted in fury following the controversial dismissal of England’s Jonny Bairstow on the last day of the match last week.

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Spectators were incensed by the incident, in which Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps after Bairstow walked out of his crease having ducked under a Cameron Green bouncer.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese even became embroiled in the row.

But there was widespread condemnation over the treatment the Australia players received when walking through the pavilion at Lord’s, the headquarters of the MCC.

It was a deeply embarrassing incident for the club, which has responsibility for cricket’s Laws and promotes the “Spirit of Cricket”.

Three members were immediately suspended pending a full investigation. The angry confrontation came just days after the publication of a report that revealed widespread racism, sexism and classism in the English game.

The MCC is trying to shake off the perception that it is an elitist organisation.

MCC chairman Carnegie-Brown said the organisation would be taking a “tougher stance” on the behaviour of members.

“I cannot downplay the impact that the behaviour of a few members has had on the perception of our club,” Carnegie-Brown said in an email to members.

“The members shown on camera have brought shame on MCC. Their actions hinder our efforts to promote the positive things our club does to promote and celebrate the game of cricket. Their actions inhibit our ability to carry out our role as guardian of the Laws of Cricket and the Spirit of Cricket.

“It has been my privilege to stand many times in the Pavilion to witness the brilliant reception teams receive as they go out to the middle and return. The knowledge, respect and support shown by MCC Members has hitherto been a source of great pride.

“Since Sunday, probing questions have been asked as to whether the route players take from dressing room to pitch can be considered appropriate in future. It disappoints me greatly to be having those conversations.”

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Meanwhile, Carnegie-Brown confirmed the MCC had changed its regulations to put more space between members and cricketers in the Lord’s pavilion.

“The walk out of the pavilion and towards the pitch is valued by players and members alike. We are keen to preserve this but will be increasing the size of the roped-off ‘cordon’ used by the teams as their conduit through the Long Room,” Carnegie-Brown continued.

“We will be restricting members’ access in and around the stairwells at times when the teams are coming on or off the pitch. During those periods, members will be required to wait at the ground floor or top floor level, with no access to either staircase.

“The club will be taking a tougher stance on the general behaviour of members. We expect members not only to heed the words of our stewards in this regard, but to police one another’s behaviour. It is unacceptable for any of us to point the finger of blame at others unless we are willing to intervene ourselves when we see behaviours which fall short of what is expected of members.”

Australia won the second Test by 43 runs, despite a brilliant 155 from England captain Ben Stokes, to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

The third Test in Leeds started on Thursday.