Usman Khawaja condemns ‘disrespectful’ behaviour from MCC members
MCC has issued an unreserved apology to Australia after a few of their gamers have been abused when strolling by way of the Long Room on day 5 of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, following the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, with Usman Khawaja describing what was stated as “pretty disrespectful”.
Khawaja and David Warner have been proven on TV footage getting right into a heated alternate with MCC members because the Australians went to their dressing room at lunch, with the stewards having to intervene. MCC stated on Sunday night that three members had been suspended pending investigation.
“MCC can confirm it has suspended three Members identified from earlier today,” a spokesperson stated. “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.
“We preserve that the behaviour of a small variety of Members was fully unacceptable and while there was no suggestion by Pat Cummins within the post-match press convention that there was any bodily altercation, it stays wholly unacceptable to behave in such a method, which works in opposition to the values of the Club. MCC condemns the behaviour witnessed and as soon as once more we re-iterate our apology to Cricket Australia.
Speaking afterwards to Channel Nine, Khawaja stated that it was “really disappointing” and that he “wasn’t just going to stand by and cop” abuse. “It was really disappointing,” he stated. “Lord’s is one of my favourite places to come. There’s always respect shown at Lord’s, particularly in the Members Pavilion in the Long Room, but there wasn’t today. It was very disappointing.
“If anybody requested me the place the most effective place is to play I all the time say Lord’s,” Khawaja added. “The crowd is nice, notably the members are nice, and a number of the stuff that was popping out of the members’ mouths is basically disappointing and I wasn’t simply going stand by and cop it. So I simply talked to a couple of them.
“A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations and I just called them up on it and they kept going, and I was like, well, this is your membership here. So I’m just pointing them out. But it’s pretty disrespectful, to be honest. I just expect a lot better from the members.”
Tempers flared at Lord’s after Bairstow was given out when Alex Carey threw down the stumps with the batter having left his crease for the top of the over – however with out the ball having been known as useless. Loud booing was heard across the floor, and continued for the remainder of the sport, although Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, stated afterwards that the dismissal was throughout the legal guidelines and “totally fair play”.
“MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members,” Cummins added in his post-match press convention. “I think some of them might lose their memberships over the way they behaved. Other than that one time, they were fantastic all week. I think they were just quite aggressive and abusive towards some of our players, which I know the MCC weren’t too happy with.”
Asked in regards to the Bairstow dismissal, Khawaja stated: “It’s is what it is. We copped the same thing at Edgbaston. Obviously, it’s a little different here. It’s disappointing, to say the least. You know, we always try to play the cricket, in our best spirits, and we’ve said since Patty has taken over, since Andrew McDonald has taken over, winning is as important as how we win.
“The resolution once more was within the umpire’s arms. If the umpire deemed it a useless ball right this moment, it was a useless ball. Just like yesterday’s catch [by Mitchell Starc, which was ruled not out]. We do not absolutely agree with it, however you must settle for the umpire’s resolution.
“That’s why the umpires are there. So I mean, there’s always grey areas in cricket. And the way it played out I guess in some respects, is kind of disappointing. I love Stuey [Stuart] Broad. I think he’s one of my favourite cricketers. The way he plays, the way he’s always got a smile on his face and he was pretty riled up out there, which you don’t want to see. But yeah, it is what it is.”
Both Cricket Australia and MCC launched statements in response to occasions within the Long Room. A Cricket Australia spokesperson stated: “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.
“It is alleged gamers and workers from the Australian workforce have been verbally abused, with some being bodily contacted, as they made their method to lunch by way of the members space.” Cummins clarified in his press conference that he was not aware of any physical altercations.
MCC’s initial statement said: “The Long Room is exclusive in world cricket and the good privilege of gamers passing by way of the pavilion may be very particular. After this morning’s play, feelings have been working excessive, and phrases have been sadly exchanged with a number of the Australian workforce, by a small variety 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.”