Don't uncork the bubbly yet

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord's, may soon ban uncorking of champagne bottles on the ground. In a newsletter, the MCC has issued a stern warning: "In recent times, the practice of some members and other spectators opening bottles of champagne in such a way as to allow corks to be projected on to the outfield has been criticised." Without naming any particular country, the note emphasised that concerns had been "formally raised" by visiting players about the practice. "Lord's is now the only ground into which members and ticket holders are allowed to bring alcohol, and for this arrangement to continue, it is important that all members, their guests and other spectators refrain from the practice that has been described," it added.