Sportblog | The Guardian — MCC RSS

Oct 03, 2022

MCC clutching its pearls over moribund Eton v Harrow and Varsity matches | Emma John

The argument over whether to keep hosting the fixtures reflects a fear of change, social progress and lost privilegesThere’s a classic Fry and Laurie sketch where two Test Match Special-style commentators work themselves into a state of ecstasy with their observations on pigeons, buses, mown grass and the like. “Creamy old England … custard creams … strawberries and cream!” they yelp, climactically. The comic pair always enjoyed satirising the nostalgic cult of Englishness; now Stephen Fry is about to become president of one of the most nostalgically English institutions in sport.It’s a smart appointment, not least because absurdist comedy is an excellent grounding for any role at Marylebone Cricket Club. On Monday Fry takes up his year-long position as president...

Dec 07, 2016

Gatting and Holding would have seen red but sendings off should be rare | Vic Marks

The MCC’s plan to give umpires the power of dismissal is more the result of a decline in behaviour in the recreational game than the top level and the hope is it will be seldom if ever be usedFor years the MCC could be relied on for its crustiness, an unwavering bastion of the old establishment, but you cannot trust it to behave according to expectation in the 21st century.Suspicions have been aroused for a while – the advent of a sign erected outside the toilets at the back of a stand at Lord’s has been a bit of a giveaway. “Gentlemen” it proclaims but underneath is added: “Nappy Changing Facilities Available.” One can only surmise what Gubby Allen, a...