Australia star Usman Khawaja breaks silence on Lord’s members bust-up with cryptic remark as three suspended
AUSTRALIA star Usman Khawaja has spoken out after being involved in clashes with MCC members in the Lord’s Long Room.
Altercations broke out between members and the Aussies following Johnny Bairstow’s controversial stumping.
Fans felt Australia had gone against the spirit of the game by running out the batsman after he ventured from his crease thinking the ball was dead.
Members made their feelings known directly to the team as they made their way back to the dressing room at lunch.
But Khawaja believes some overstepped the mark with their comments and he felt he had to respond.
He has reflected on the incident and said: “Some of the stuff coming out of members’ mouths was really disappointing. I wasn’t going to stand by and cop it.
“A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations and if they kept going, well it’s your membership.
“I expect a lot better from the members.”
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have since released a statement condemning members’ behaviour and handed out three suspensions.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also reacted to the incident saying: “The MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members. I think some of them might lose their membership over the way they behaved.
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“Other than that one time, they were fantastic all week. The members here are normally fantastic and really welcoming.
“Something special about playing at Lord’s is you feel like you’re at a really special place surrounded by people who just share a love of the game.”