Lord's relaxed its strict pavilion dress code on Tuesday with members not required to wear jackets as temperatures soared, for the start of the county championship game between Middlesex and Sussex.
Most of Britain is gripped in a heatwave with temperatures of more than 40° Celsius recorded for the first time in the country.
"MCC [Marylebone Cricket club] has advised us that the dress regulations in the Pavilion will be relaxed on Tuesday 19 July," a statement on the Middlesex County Cricket Club website said.
"Gentlemen in the Pavilion that day will not be required to wear a jacket, although MCC will still require gentlemen to wear ties.
"Spectators should also adhere to the usual dress regulations on trousers and shoes."
It is not the first time hot weather has forced a relaxation of one of British sport's most traditional venues with the rules also being relaxed in 2018.
The stifling heat also led to two county championship games between Gloucestershire and Hampshire and Northants and Lancashire having three reduced 90-minute sessions on Tuesday with play finishing early in the "interest of spectator and player welfare".
Several horse racing events have also been cancelled in Britain because of the heatwave.
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An MCC member reads a newspaper in the stand as England host New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's on Wednesday. Reuters -
Spectators queue up to enter Lord's Cricket Ground on Wednesday, June 2. AFP -
MCC members arrive inside the ground prior to day one of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground. Getty -
An MCC member is seen wearing a protective mask prior to the first day of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's. Getty -
Spectators arrive at the Lord's Cricket Ground. AFP -
MCC members arrive at the Lord's Cricket Ground. Getty -
England players stand wearing t-shirts displaying anti-racism message before the start of play. PA -
An MCC member wearing a protective face mask at Lord's. Reuters -
Supporters arrive at Lord's for the opening day of the first Test. Getty -
A Marylebone Cricket Club member at the Lord's Cricket Ground. AFP
