Screengrabs from various videos shows the Australian players enduring vicious abuse from MCC members in the Long Room at Lord's during the second Test. As the Australians retreated to the dressing room during lunch on the final day of the Lord’s Test, they were subjected to vicious chants from MCC members at the Long Room in Lord’s. The anger was fomented by the stumping of Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal just before lunch.
In various videos that have emerged on social media since England lost by 43 runs and went down 2-0 in the five-match series, the Australian players are seen being abused by the English crowd with chants like “cheat, cheat” and “get the sandpaper”. Loud booing and hissing sounds can also be heard.
Another video also showed Australian opener Usman Khawaja and David Warner getting into a heated exchange with some members in the Long Room while walking back into the dressing room.
More footage of MCC members booing the Aussies with the kind of venom usually reserved for when someone cuts the nose off the treasurer’s Brie pic.twitter.com/VckbN60t9Z
— The Upshot (@UpshotTowers) July 2, 2023
In the 52nd over on the last day of the 2nd Test, Bairstow ducked a slow bouncer from Cameron Green and left the crease thinking that the ball was already ‘dead’. However, Alex Carey broke the stumps and third umpire Marais Erasmus adjudged it stumped in favour of Australia. At that point, England were at 193 for 5 with Bairstow batting at 10 while chasing 371.
Usman Khawaja was pulled back by security after speaking to one the members inside the long room 😳
🗣️ "I've NEVER seen scenes like that!" pic.twitter.com/2RnjiNssfw
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 2, 2023
England players said later he believed the umpires called, ‘Over,’ meaning the ball was dead. Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey tossed down the stumps and Bairstow was given out after a brief review.
Let's have a look at what the elite MCC members have to say
As it's not on the Western Terrace nothing will be done. pic.twitter.com/mzb4XF6agp
— ꜱɪʀ ꜰʀᴇᴅ ʙᴏʏᴄᴏᴛᴛ (@FredBoycott) July 2, 2023
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Bairstow was confused, initially, then obviously unhappy by the stumping. He left Stokes as the last recognized batter. England lost by 43 runs and went down 2-0 in the five-match series.
Australia had to endure the crowd’s bitterness for the rest of the match.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Sunday “unreservedly apologised” to the Australian team after its few members allegedly abused several visiting players in the Lord’s Long Room.
“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,” the MCC said in a statement.
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