THE Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has suspended three members following clashes with the Australian team.

Tempers flared between members and the team following Johnny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal.

Fans felt the Aussies had gone against the spirit of the game by running out the batsman after he ventured from his crease thinking the ball was dead.

And when Australia returned to their dressing room at lunch altercations broke out, with Aussie pair David Warner and Usman Khawaja seen remonstrating with members.

The MCC has now released a statement on the incident responding a call for an investigation from Cricket Australia.

The statement condemned the members’ behaviour while confirming suspensions have been handed out.

It read: “MCC can confirm it has suspended three members identified from earlier today.

“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 re-iterate our apology to Cricket Australia.

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“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.”

Australia captain Pat Cummins responded to the incident saying: “The MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members. I think some of them might lose their membership over the way they behaved.

“Other than that one time, they were fantastic all week. The members here are normally fantastic and really welcoming.

“Something special about playing at Lord’s is you feel like you’re at a really special place surrounded by people who just share a love of the game.”

Sun columnist Piers Morgan weighed in saying: “You cannot be serious??!! Australia, that is pathetic.

“How can you possibly want to win an Ashes Test match like that?”