Usman Khawaja revealed that Marylebone Cricket Club members acted aggressively, swore in unison, and directed racial slurs at him as Australia walked off for lunch. In addition to verbal insults, one spectator spat at him while another tried to trip both him and David Warner on the stairs. The governing club subsequently took disciplinary measures against three individuals following an official investigation into the altercation. Khawaja also used his book to address broader historical controversies, asserting that the entire squad knew about the 2018 ball-tampering scheme.
Key points
Disciplinary actions were enforced against three MCC members after spectators aggressivel…: Disciplinary actions were enforced against three MCC members after spectators aggressively confronted Australian players on their way to lunch.
The newly published autobiography documents physical confrontations, including an attempt…: The newly published autobiography documents physical confrontations, including an attempt to trip players and a spectator spitting at Khawaja.
The retired batter concluded his 88-Test international career in January with a total of…: The retired batter concluded his 88-Test international career in January with a total of 6,229 runs before publishing these revelations.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Former Australia batter
Usman Khawaja has alleged that he was racially abused by a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) during the Ashes Test at Lord's in 2023.
He has shared details of the incident in his newly released autobiography, recalling the hostile behaviour of some spectators after England batter
Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped by Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Television footage from the time showed Khawaja and David Warner arguing with spectators as the Australian players walked off for lunch. The incident led to the MCC expelling one member and suspending two others after they were found guilty of "abusive, offensive or inappropriate behaviour or language".
One received a four-and-a-half-year suspension, while the other was banned for 30 months.
Khawaja recalls hostile atmosphere at Lord's
In his book, Khawaja described the behaviour of some MCC members as shocking, especially given their reputation for being respectful towards players.
"We didn't realise what was waiting for us in the Long Room. Unfortunately, the MCC members in the room that day showed their true colours," Khawaja said.
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