The MCC have relaxed the compulsory jacket rule for members in Lord’s pavilion for the upcoming T20 Blast game between Middlesex and Surrey.
With temperatures expected to soar in London on Sunday, May 24, the MCC have relaxed their strict Lord’s Pavilion dress code.
Members are traditionally required to wear lounge suits or tailored jackets and ties in the Pavilion, but that rule has been eased due to the prevalent hot weather.
“Owing to the forecast high temperatures," the statement read, "MCC has decided to dispense with the requirement for gentlemen to wear jackets in the Pavilion for the Blast match between Middlesex and Surrey on the day of Sunday 24 May. This applies to Members of MCC and Middlesex and their guests.”
This will not be the first time the MCC have dispensed with the jacket requirement, having made similar exceptions during heatwaves in the UK in 2018 and 2022.
What is Sunday's weather forecast for London?
As per BBC Weather, Sunday is expected to be sunny in London with the temperature expected to be around 26 degree Celsius at the game’s scheduled start time of 12 pm, but it could feel like 29 degrees. The heat is expected to gradually increase, with a forecast of 28 degrees (feels like 31) at 2pm and potentially rising to 30 degrees (feels like 32) at 4pm.
The UK’s Met Office has made a similar forecast, with the temperature expected to be around 25 degrees in London at noon. It will further increase up to 28 degrees at 3pm and 29 degrees an hour later, by when the match should reach its conclusion.
Middlesex began their T20 Blast campaign with a 17-run defeat to Kent, who batted first at Lord’s and posted 208-6, with Sam Billing scoring a 37-ball 84. The home side, in reply, could get to 181-8 in 20 overs. Surrey, meanwhile, defeated Lancashire by 59 runs after posting 213-6 batting first. Lancashire were never in the game, going down to 0-2 in the first over, and were eventually bowled out for 154.
Also read: How England could replace Jacob Bethell in New Zealand Test squad
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