Usman Khawaja alleges racial abuse by MCC member during 2023 Ashes test

Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has alleged that he was subjected to racial abuse by a Marylebone Cricket Club member inside the historic Long Room at Lord's during the contentious 2023 Ashes series.

Writing in his newly released autobiography, the retired opening batsman described the chaotic scenes that unfolded as the visiting team walked off for lunch following the controversial dismissal of England batter Jonny Bairstow.

The flashpoint occurred during a heated second Test match when Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey stumped Bairstow amid a storm of crowd protests and fierce backlash from spectators and club members alike.

Television footage from that day broadcasted clashes involving Khawaja and teammate David Warner as players negotiated a hostile pathway through the pavilion towards the away dressing room.

Reflecting on the hostile reception in his book, Khawaja detailed how ordinarily polite supporters transformed into an aggressive crowd as tempers flared following the disputed dismissal incident.

"We didn't realise what was waiting for us in the Long Room," Khawaja wrote, describing the members as acting akin to a pack of privileged individuals barking at the players from close range.

He stated that one individual shouted and screamed directly in his face, while another member attempted to deliberately trip both Warner and himself as they climbed the pavilion stairs.

" Davey told him off first, so I didn't think the bloke would do it again, but as I went to walk upstairs, he tried to do it to me too," Khawaja explained regarding the physical obstruction.

Upon reaching the top of the stairwell, the Australian player recounted seeing a large group gathered near the changing rooms, prompting him to question whether he had entered a zoo rather than a cricket ground.

Following the initial commotion back in 2023, the Marylebone Cricket Club took swift disciplinary action by expelling one member and suspending two others for offensive behavior and inappropriate language.

The subsequent internal investigation led to one individual receiving a four-and-a-half-year suspension, while another served a thirty-month ban for their conduct within the members' enclosure.

Khawaja retired from international cricket in January after compiling 6,229 runs across 88 Test matches for his country, leaving behind a distinguished career at the highest level of the sport.