Australia have requested a please explain from the Marylebone Cricket Club after claiming players were verbally abused and physically contacted by members at lunch on day five at Lord’s.
On a drama-charged last day at Lord’s, Australia’s players were continuously jeered by local fans after Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow when he walked out of his crease.
England players were also clearly furious about the dismissal, with captain Ben Stokes approaching Australia’s team huddle to speak with his counterpart Pat Cummins.
The situation then went into overdrive when Khawaja then took exception to something said by one member and stopped to speak with them, before two stewards stepped in.
David Warner followed him through the long room, and was ushered away by stewards after stopping in front of another fan.
Video from inside the room full of Lord’s members shows several yelling “cheats” as the Australians walked through.
“Australian management has requested the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) investigate several incidents involving spectators in the members area during lunch on day five of the Lord’s Test,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
“It is alleged players and staff from the Australian team were verbally abused, with some being physically contacted, as they made their way to lunch through the members area.”
The MCC have since apologised for the incident, while AAP has been told the organisation’s CEO Guy Lavender spoke with members at lunch to remind them of behavioural standards.
“The Long Room is unique in world cricket and the great privilege of players passing through the Pavilion is very special,” an MCC spokesperson said.
“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.
“We have unreservedly apologised to the Australian Team and will deal with any member who has not maintained the standard we expect through our disciplinary processes.
“It was not necessary to eject anyone from the ground and I am pleased to say that there was no repeat of this as the players resumed the field for this afternoon’s session.”
The stumping looms as a potential turning point in the game, with England going to lunch at day five on 6-243 in pursuit of 371 for victory.
