Viral video: Crowd calls Australian cricketers 'cheat' as Bairstow's dismissal sparks Ashes row

The gentleman’s game finds itself mired in controversy once again — this time at the home of cricket itself. English batter Jonny Bairstow dismissal in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s triggered a huge debate. The wicket came at a crucial juncture, placing the Australian cricket team at an advantageous position. The hosts lost the match by 43 runs. Bairstow’s dismissal infuriated the home crowd.

In a shocking video, which has now gone viral on social media, some members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) can be seen lashing out at the Aussies. Chants like “cheat, cheat” and “get the sandpaper” could be heard in the viral footage.

Australia batters David Warner and Usman Khawaja were seen in TV footage apparently confronting a few people in the Long Room during the lunch break.

MCC later said it had suspended three members over altercations with the Australian players. It said it maintained "that the behaviour of a small number of members was completely unacceptable" and "unreservedly apologised to the Australian team".

Based at Lord's, which it owns, the MCC acts as custodian and arbiter of the laws and spirit of cricket, according to the BCC.

Bairstow’s controversial dismissal occurred in the 52nd over of England’s second innings. The English wicketkeeper ducked a bouncer and moved outside the crease before the ball was dead. Making full use of the opportunity, Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey hit the stumps. Following Australia’s appeal, the decision was referred to the third umpire, who adjudged Bairstow to be run out.

The dismissal sparked a huge controversy, forcing experts and commentators to have a look at the MCC laws of cricket.

Law 20.1.2 clearly states that “the ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play".

While many believed that the ball wasn’t dead when Bairstow decided to leave his crease, a section of the spectators felt that the Australian wicketkeeper’s act was totally against the spirit of the game.

At the post-match presentation, English skipper Ben Stokes questioned the Australian cricket team’s sportsman spirit. Stokes said that he would never want to win a match in such a fashion.