London: Following the suspension of three members who confronted the Australian team after the second Ashes Test, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has introduced new measures to prevent members from getting close to players walking through the Lord's Long Room.
The MCC has decided that members will be guided away from players when they enter or exit the ground via the Long Room, aiming to avoid any untoward incidents during matches. The new rules will be enforced starting from the upcoming women's Ashes series, which will see the Australian women's team play against England.
This decision comes in response to the severe criticism faced by the MCC and its members after video footage showed abusive behaviour towards the Australian players in the Long Room. The players were subjected to insults and called "cheats" following a controversial stumping incident involving English batter Jonny Bairstow.
The MCC has issued a warning to its members, stating that a stricter stance will be taken if such incidents occur again in the future.
MCC Chief Executive Mark Lavender explained that the privilege of close proximity to players will be impacted in future games. Members will be directed away from the stairwells when the teams are entering or leaving the pitch. They will be required to wait at either the ground floor or top floor level, with no access to the staircases.
Lavender emphasised the need for improved member behaviour, urging them to not only listen to the stewards but also hold each other accountable. He stated, "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 behaviours which fall short of what is expected of members."
MCC Chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown expressed deep disappointment in a letter to the members, condemning their actions. He wrote, "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 of cricket."
Carnegie-Brown emphasised that such behaviour undermines the club's role as guardians of the laws and spirit of cricket, hindering their ability to fulfil their responsibilities.
With these measures in place, the MCC aims to maintain a respectful and dignified environment for players during matches at Lord's.