Anger as pitch invader is freed without charge

England and India's cricket bodies were united last night in anger on learning that the Australian spectator who had breached the MCC security operation and escorted Sachin Tendulkar off the field on Sunday had been released by police without charge.

While no one from the England and Wales Cricket Board was prepared to comment on the issue, a spokesman said that they welcomed news that the MCC were considering a private prosecution.

The India manager, Ranga Reddy, said: "Security is a very big issue, especially after the problems with Pakistan supporters last year. Although Sachin had asked that the man should not be punished too severely, nevertheless we did expect him to be fined.

"The fact that he has got off scot free sends out the wrong signals. Members of the public will think that they can go anywhere." The ECB disappointment is understandable, as they had wanted to deter potential offenders by introducing a hard line stance under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, and had had five previous successful prosecutions for aggravated trespass, the most recent case being in the Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford last month.

Last night a spokesman at Lord's said: "The MCC is actively considering bringing a private prosecution."