Lord's members wear masks with famous MCC colours as crowds return to cricket in England - in pictures

Fans in country attend first match since 2019 Ashes

• 

  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

Fans in England got to enjoy international cricket from the stands for the first time since 2019 as Joe Root's team took on New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's on Wednesday.

It was England's first Test in front of a crowd since the 2019 Ashes and the venue capacity was capped at 25 per cent, around 7,500 spectators per day.

The mood was upbeat as supporters made it to the ground before the start of play. Many members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) were among those in attendance, standing out from the crowd due to the striking colours of their club jackets, ties and even face masks.

On the ground, Ollie Robinson was handed his England debut alongside wicketkeeper James Bracey.

It was a special day for veteran seamer James Anderson who made his 161st Test appearance, equalling Sir Alastair Cook's record.

New Zealand handed a Test debut to Devon Conway, who opened the innings alongside Tom Latham.

Also, England and New Zealand took part in a 'moment of unity' ahead of the first Test to 'highlight and try to drive out all forms of discrimination within the game'.