MCC suspends three members for row with Australia players after Bairstow dismissal

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has suspended three members for getting into an altercation with Australia players following Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Sunday.

Bairstow was given out when Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps after the England batsman walked out of his crease after ducking under a Cameron Green bouncer. There was confusion in the middle, Bairstow seemingly believing the ball was dead at the end of the over, but Australia were happy to proceed with a deeply divisive appeal.

The umpires sent the decision upstairs for review by TV umpire Marais Erasmus, who had no option but to confirm Bairstow's dismissal. Bairstow was livid and the usually sedate Lord's crowd responded by chanting "Same old Aussies, always cheating" while booing rang around the famous old arena for several minutes.

Members in the Lord's Pavilion, the most exclusive part of the ground, confronted the Australia team as they walked through the historic Long Room to get to their dressing room at lunch.

Australia batsmen David Warner and Usman Khawaja were seen stopping to speak to members who were booing before stewards stepped in to usher the players away.

A Cricket Australia spokesman called on MCC to investigate allegations their players were "verbally abused, with some being physically contacted".

Apologising for the incident, MCC 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."

Austra