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.He added that the members had previously been known for treating players with respect, regardless of their performances, but their behaviour that day changed his perception.“It was like a pack of dogs about to feast on their next meals. They were in unison, swearing. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”Khawaja also recalled an incident in which a spectator shouted and spat at him, while another allegedly tried to trip him and Warner as they climbed the stairs.The Australian batter said he initially warned one spectator against shouting at him, but the situation escalated when another person allegedly directed racial abuse towards him.He also recalled seeing several members waiting near the players’ dressing room and questioning their behaviour by saying, “Is this Lord’s or the zoo?”The autobiography also contains another major revelation, with Khawaja claiming that the entire Australian team knew about the use of sandpaper to tamper with the ball during the final Test of their 2018 series against South Africa.The 39-year-old retired from international cricket in January after scoring 6,229 runs in 88 Tests for Australia.