The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has implemented new restrictions on its members in light of ongoing investigations into the second Ashes Test. The changes include limited movements and increased space between MCC members and players in the Lord’s Long Room.
During the first day of play at Headingley, the Australian national anthem received a mixed reception, with sections of the crowd booing before the match commenced. Despite a relatively well-behaved crowd in Leeds, each Australian player faced jeers as they took the field.
Particularly loud boos were directed towards Alex Carey and Pat Cummins, who have been viewed as the primary antagonists by the English audience, particularly due to Carey’s controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow.
While some fans still managed to take photos with players before the match in Leeds, the use of camera phones was condemned by MCC chairman Bruce Carnegie-Brown in an email addressed to the members. Carnegie-Brown expressed his disappointment in the members who had verbally abused the Australian players at Lord’s, stating that their actions had brought shame upon the entire club. He also criticized the members for sharing videos of the incidents, which further highlighted the extent of the abuse endured by the Australian team.
Carnegie-Brown emphasized that the video footage captured on that day, including some footage that violated the club’s regulations, was a clear reflection of the members’ misconduct. He stated, “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.”
As a result of the incidents at Lord’s, which involved players being subjected to verbal abuse and physical obstruction on the stairs, the MCC has decided to increase the distance between players and fans for the remainder of the summer. This will involve providing a wider roped-off space in the Long Room for players to pass through, away from the members. Additionally, members will not be allowed on the stairs when players enter or exit the field.
These measures will be implemented during Australia’s women’s T20I match against England on Saturday night. The MCC has already suspended three members for confronting the Australian men’s players directly and has urged others to help identify additional individuals involved.
Carnegie-Brown stressed that the issue with members’ behavior extends beyond that specific day, and if more evidence and witness statements emerge, further disciplinary actions will be taken. He encouraged members with information about other culprits to come forward, stating, “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 behaviors that fall short of our expected standards.”
The MCC aims to address and rectify these behavioral issues, promoting a respectful and positive environment for all involved in the game of cricket.
