London: Australia won the second Test at Lord's and took a 2-0 series lead, adding a new chapter to an Ashes history already marred by controversy and animosity. However, the perception that they had violated the game's revered spirit in the process sparked outrage among the spectators and, more remarkably, among the typically polite MCC members.

Despite Ben Stokes' historic 155-run innings, which included nine sixes, England fell 44 runs short of their 371-run goal. However, Stokes felt that Jonny Bairstow's dismissal, which occurred before he had even reached half of that score, was "the match-winning moment."

The Yorkshireman, the final batsman in England's lineup, had scored 10 runs when he allowed a bouncer from Cameron Green to go to the keeper. Thinking the innings was over, he exited his crease to meet with Stokes. However, Australia's Alex Carey, the wicketkeeper, foresaw his movement, threw the ball at the stumps, and thus finished what was deemed a stumping.

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“The first thing that needs to be said is that it is out,” Stokes said. “I had to consider the fact it was the last ball of the over, and I questioned the umpires as to whether they had called over. Both umpires were walking towards their opposite position. Jonny left his crease to come out and have the conversation between overs like every batsman does.”

“If I was fielding captain I would have had a real think about the spirit of the game. For Australia it was the match-winning moment. Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no.”

Australia said that Bairstow had attempted to remove David Warner in a same manner on the opening day of the match and had attempted it to dismiss Steve Smith four years prior.

“I thought it was fair,” the captain, Pat Cummins, said. “It’s a really common thing for keepers to do. Jonny left his crease. You leave the rest to the umpires.

Although Bairstow was without a doubt out in accordance with the rules of the game, there was a general consensus at Lord's that it was not in the spirit. The audience was extremely vocal for the rest of the day, to the point where jeers drowned out Cummins' post-game interview several hours later. However, the most spectacular incidents occurred at lunch, five overs after Bairstow was dismissed.

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When Australia's players entered the pavilion, a space reserved for MCC members and their visitors, they were booed as they left the pitch. Security was needed to prevent individuals from physically assaulting the team as they made their way to their dressing room through the famous Long Room, and Usman Khawaja and Warner had to be removed from the area after pausing to engage in an acrimonious argument.

“If anyone asks me where the best place is to play I always say Lord’s,” Khawaja said later. “The crowd is great, particularly the members are great, [but] some of the stuff that was coming out of the members’ mouths is really disappointing and I wasn’t just going stand by and cop it. A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations and I just called them up on it. It’s pretty disrespectful, to be honest.”

Cricket Australia has demanded an investigation into the incident, saying in a statement: “Players and staff were verbally abused, with some being physically contacted, as they made their way to lunch through the members’ area.”

An MCC spokesperson said it had “unreservedly apologised to the Australian team and will deal with any member who has not maintained the standard we expect”, with Cummins suggesting that “some of them might lose their membership over the way they behaved.

The MCC said on Sunday evening that it had suspended three of its members following “unacceptable” behaviour adding in a statement: “They will not be permitted back to Lord’s whilst the investigation takes place and were informed of this by MCC chief executive, Guy Lavender, this evening.

“We maintain that the behaviour of a small number of members was completely unacceptable and, whilst there was no suggestion by Pat Cummins in the post-match press conference that there was any physical altercation, it remains wholly unacceptable to behave in such a way, which goes against the values of the club.

“MCC condemns the behaviour witnessed and once again we reiterate our apology to Cricket Australia. We are thoroughly disappointed to be talking about poor behaviour when the Long Room, as stated by Pat Cummins himself, is otherwise renowned for being ‘really welcoming’. It has been a thrilling day to finish off a wonderful five days of Test cricket.”

Although Australia’s victory leaves them on the verge of winning the Ashes with three games to play – one more win would do it, and a draw would guarantee they retain the trophy – the incident means the atmosphere will be more heated than ever when the action moves to Headingley on Thursday.

“I definitely think it’s going to be ramped up,” Stokes said. “It’s actually very exciting to know that the way in which we are playing our cricket couldn’t be more perfect for the situation we find ourselves in.

“We have to win these three games to get this urn back. We’re a team who are willing to put ourselves out there and do things against the narrative. Now, these three games are a better opportunity for us than we’ve ever found ourselves in before.”

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