The incident overshadowed Australia’s victory in the Ashes series and required intervention from security and an umpire.
Usman Khawaja spoke out after the MCC released a statement addressing the alleged abuse and physical contact.
During the final day at Lord’s, a heated exchange took place as the players were heading back to the dressing room after lunch. It is alleged that two Australian players were subjected to abuse from MCC members.
Footage of the incident went viral, showing Khawaja engaged in a heated discussion with an MCC member who had expressed his displeasure over Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal.
Another player, David Warner, was also stopped by the same MCC member before security stepped in to separate them.
Khawaja described the incident as “pretty disrespectful” and expressed his disappointment
This is new. Words were exchanged even in the long room. Warner and Khawaja in a heated discussion with a one of the members.pic.twitter.com/miZzCMsc66
— Kanav Bali🏏 (@Concussion__Sub) July 2, 2023
However, the behavior displayed by some MCC members fell short of those expectations.
Khawaja called out the members on their actions and the allegations they made, emphasizing that he couldn’t simply stand by and accept it.
He found their behavior disrespectful and believed that better conduct was to be expected from MCC members.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of high tensions following Bairstow’s dismissal in a rare fashion.
Bairstow had left his crease after evading a short delivery. The Australian wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, swiftly threw the ball to remove the stumps.
Initially believed to be a run-out, it was later determined to be a stumping, causing the furious English fans to boo and label the Australian team as “cheaters”.
Cricket Australia promptly released a statement, acknowledging that players and staff from the Australian team were verbally abused and physically contacted by MCC members.
The Australian team management called for an investigation into the matter.
Following the incident, the MCC issued an apology to the Australian team. They expressed regret for the behavior of a small number of its members.
The MCC spokesperson highlighted the significance of the Long Room as a unique feature in world cricket and the privilege for players to pass through the Pavilion.
The spokesperson reassured that the matter would be addressed through the disciplinary processes of the MCC, and no one was ejected from the ground.
The afternoon session resumed without any further incidents. The incident at Lord’s brought attention to the issue of player safety and the need for respectful conduct from spectators.
It also sparked discussions about maintaining the traditions and values associated with historic cricket venues like Lord’s.
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