Please dress appropriately, Lord's ladies told

London: As India and England tread cautiously for their 100th Test match at Lord's, the women members of the famous Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have reportedly been asked to dress appropriately for the historic match that starts here Thursday.

Some members of the MCC are furious that women members are exposing too much flesh at Lord's, which they feel is not cricket.

A ban on women members was lifted in 1999 after 212 years and since then some 50 have been awarded with the membership.

But some of the critics said that ladies have tried to enter the hallowed pavilion of MCC while "inappropriately dressed".

The Express reported that members are upset with ladies entering the long room sporting jeans and "toe cleavage". The dress code bans "jeans and their close relations".

"One pair had several large holes in them," a grumpy member was quoted as saying by the daily.

The 50 female members sit alongside some of the 18,000 male members, whose average age is 57, sporting their yellow and pink striped ties, pocket handkerchiefs and blazers.

The daily quoting insiders said that standards have also slipped after members were allowed to bring two guests into the pavilion rather than one for Twenty20 matches at Lord's this season.

The male members' biggest concern seems to be that some women are just too scruffy.

"Men are entitled to their opinions but I'd question whether women should not be allowed to take their jackets off," Beth Wild, a women member was quoted as saying by the daily.

A woman official said that dress code is very strict.

"The code is clearly printed in the members' books and there are no exceptions," she said.

The code states: "Ladies should wear dresses; or skirts or trousers worn with blouses, and appropriate shoes. Dresses and blouses may be sleeveless. Religious, traditional or national dress, or service uniform, is permitted." Prohibited items include T-shirts.

For men the code states: "Whilst in the pavilion, gentlemen shall wear ties and tailored coats and acceptable trousers with appropriate shoes."

Coats may be removed on outside balconies but must be replaced for entry to the pavilion.