Inside Sport can reveal the identity of the MCC member given a life ban following the astonishing scenes in the Long Room after Australia’s controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow in last year’s Ashes.
The member in question is Henry Somerset – son of the former chief cashier of the Bank of England – and the situation has caused some embarrassment beyond the Grace Gates.
Somerset also happens to be a former captain at the upmarket Rye Golf Club in East Sussex, where ex-MCC assistant secretary Jamie Clifford is now secretary.
Well-liked Clifford is also a non-executive director at Kent, after a period as interim chairman at the county earlier this year.
Australia’s players were verbally abused as they made their way through the iconic walkway after wicketkeeper Alex Carey had stumped Bairstow when the Yorkshire batsman left his crease, mistakenly believing the ball was dead. One Aussie even claimed a kick was aimed at a team-mate.
Australia’s players were verbally abused as they walked through the Long Room at Lord’s
One MCC member, Henry Somerset, was given a lifetime ban after the astonishing scenes
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey had stumped Bairstow when the Yorkshire batsman left his crease
MCC subsequently wrote to all their members asking for help identifying the culprits who ‘brought shame’ on the club during the second Test in July 2023.
Somerset, who was charged with ‘abusive, offensive or inappropriate behaviour or language’ was one of three members suspended following a confidential disciplinary process. The other two are understood to have received less severe bans.
Meanwhile, eyebrows have been raised at MCC following the news that chair Mark Nicholas is to head overseas to commentate on the Australia versus India Test series and South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 competition this winter.
Senior members have expressed surprise that the former Hampshire batsman, who took up the reins this month after a stint as president, will depart for about six weeks at a time when various issues are swirling, including the redevelopment of Lord’s and potential taking of a ruling stake in the London Spirit franchise.
MCC insiders say they are ‘relaxed’ about the situation.
Voting on whether to accept the ECB’s offer of a 51 per cent stake in the Spirit ends today.
Diaz deals up for grabs
Following his blistering start to the season, Luis Diaz is being offered to companies for potential brand partnerships.
An email sent to major firms, seen by Inside Sport, offers Diaz for deals for the rest of 2024 and into 2025.
According to agency MN2S, the Liverpool star is available for ‘endorsements, collaborations, sponsorship opportunities and personal appearances’.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz is being offered to companies for potential brand partnerships
Former BBC chief’s new career
Whether she painted a pretty picture during her time at the BBC is open to debate, but former head of sport Barbara Slater is hoping to do just that in her new career.
The ex-Olympic gymnast, who stood down in spring following 14 years in the role, is also a landscape artist who last month held an exhibition as part of the Ealing Art Trail.
Slater, who goes by the name of Jane Schofield in the art world, ‘loves to create bright and cheerful pieces of art work’.
Her latest offering is based on ‘the explosion of foliage in the great trees of Richmond Park and Kew Gardens’, according to the Trail’s website.
Former BBC head of sport Barbara Slater, who stood down in spring, is also a landscape artist
Stoke dismay at Hurst exit
The work of Stoke City’s Community Trust has been a shining light for the faltering club since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. So, it came as a considerable surprise when the services of long-serving community head Adrian Hurst were dispensed with by chief operating officer Simon King last month.
Hurst’s sudden departure was met with widespread dismay, not only among club staff and supporters but also local businesses who have helped finance the Trust’s many outstanding projects over the years.
Stoke City dispensed with the services of popular long-serving community head Adrian Hurst
Bizarre programme gaffe
Those who bought a programme for Hull’s match with Burnley last week were left bemused when the crest of none other than Blackburn Rovers – the Lancashire side’s main rival – was published above the visitors’ team.
