Lord's security bosses will be on full alert at today's first Test after a fan tried to smuggle a knife with a 12-inch blade into the recent NatWest Series final, writes STEVE BAKER.
The spectator ran off and avoided arrest after having the object confiscated at the England v India one-day match 12 days ago.
More than 900 items, including pocket knives and fireworks, were taken from fans at Lord's as police and stewards tried to stamp out the threat of trouble.
Lord's takes a hardline approach to crowd control, with whistles, klaxons and flags - all of which are permitted at other cricket stadia in England - banned at the St John's Wood ground.
And with India set to be backed by a significant proportion of today's 30,000 sell-out crowd, the MCC is determined to ensure the Test passes without incident.
Alan Baxter, head of security at Lord's, said: "People come here to watch cricket.
"I can imagine what it must be like when you've paid for a ticket and you end up sitting under someone waving a great big flag. It's far from ideal."
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