Caught out

• AS the England side struggled to make an impact in the Ashes Test at Lord’s on Wednesday, many in the game were still struggling to come to terms with the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report following a two-year probe.

Holding Up a Mirror to Cricket, a long document, made 44 recommendations including that the ECB, the England and Wales Cricket Board, publicly apologised for its failings.

“Our evidence suggests that racism, sexism, elitism and classism remain widespread,” the ICEC said. “The apology should acknowledge that racism, sexism, elitism and class-based discrimination have existed, and still exist, in the game, and recognise the impact on victims of discrimination.”

ECB chair Richard Thompson subsequently issued a statement and said: “On behalf of the ECB and wider leadership of the game, I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever been excluded from cricket or made to feel like they don’t belong.

“Cricket should be a game for everyone, and we know that this has not always been the case. Powerful conclusions within the report also highlight that for too long women and Black people were neglected. We are truly sorry for this.”

Indeed the report is littered with references to elitism and privilege and the effects on poor young players and their families.

Former PM Sir John Major wrote of his love of the game in a foreword to the report. He noted: “I can say, with perfect truth, that my own life has been immeasurably enhanced by cricket – both as a young player and now an avid spectator.”

He might get a ticket at Lord’s, of course, and why not? But I failed in the Ashes ticket ballot, settling instead for the warm-up Test against Ireland.

But Lord’s itself could do more. A few weeks back, well after being informed of my ballot failure, I spotted a hospitality “offer” for the match. Private suite, all the trimmings, celeb visits, food, drink, etc. Room for 18 guests. Cost £55,000.

Elitism? Privilege?

TOM MILK, W1