London: An embarrassed cricket establishment at the Lord's on Monday launched an investigation into the security breach that enabled an Australian to accost star batsman Sachin Tendulkar in the playing area on Sunday, the penultimate day of the first cricket Test between India and England. After an angry Indian team manager Ranga Reddy had protested over the incident, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) tendered a deep apology for the breach of security. The intruder, who accosted Tendulkar, patting and exchanging words as he walked alongside the maestro all the way to the pavilion, was arrested thereafter. Tendulkar himself appeared unperturbed saying the man was neither harsh nor rude to him but had only encouraging words to say. Tendulkar even urged the authorities not to punish the man harshly, Reddy said. The incident, nevertheless created a major storm with British media playing it up and some wondering what could have happened if the intruder was carrying a knife or any other weapon. Although at least 500 security men are deployed at the ground with 75 alone on guard near the playing area, there is no security check or frisking at the entrances of what is considered the Mecca of cricket. Extras:
Lord's spectator arrested for stalking Tendulkar

Tags: cricket, london, lord's, lords, australian, sachin tendulkar, india, england, indian team manager ranga reddy, marylebone cricket club, mcc, british media, mecca of cricket.