Watch: MCC suspends three members for 'aggressive' and 'abusive' behaviour towards Australian players at Lord's Long Room

In the post-match press conference, Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed that a few members of the MCC targeted the players with aggressive and abusive behaviour.

SportsTak

• Mon • 03 Jul 2023

In the post-match press conference, Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed that a few members of the MCC targeted the players with aggressive and abusive behaviour. After Cummins' statement, the MCC suspended three of its members and opened an investigation into the incident. The MCC also offered an apology to Australia players and the board for the incident.

"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 said in a statement.

"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," the statement added.

In a Test match that will be remembered for a long time, Australia defeated England by 43 runs at Lord's on July 2 (Sunday) and took a commanding 2-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes series. On the final day of the Test, emotions ran high not just amongst the players but also among the crowd present inside the stadium to watch the action unfold. The tipping point came when Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow after the latter ducked a bouncer from Cameron Green and casually left his crease.

The England fans booed, jeered and mocked Australian players for their decision to run claim Bairstow's wicket. When the Baggy Greens players made their way to the dressing room, the loud sound of boos echoed across the stadium. While walking through the Long Room, Usman Khawaja and David Warner were even spotted arguing with a Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) member in the Long Room before the security intervened.