Play was temporarily stopped in the second session of the fourth day of the SCG Test after Mohammed Siraj complained of racial abuse from a section of the crowd.
A similar incident occurred on the third day of the Test. A spectator had allegedly directed racial abuse at Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj, after which BCCI had lodged a formal complaint.
The sequence of incidents left the cricket community fuming on social media. But Paine’s gesture, who was batting at the time Siraj brought the racial abuse to the officials’ notice, of joining the visiting team huddle was welcomed by every one.
Not only six spectators were expelled from the arena, but Cricket Australia also sent out an unreserved apology to the visitors.
Justin Langer said that incidents like these spoils a well-fought series that has been played in the right spirit between two highly competitive teams.
As hosts, we never want our visitors treated poorly: Langer
Langer went on to praise his captain Tim Paine, adding that as hosts, they don’t want the visitors ’treated poorly’. The PTI quoted Langer as saying:
Even the sport’s governing body, ICC, joined the cricketers in condemning the incident and stated that it would provide Cricket Australia and the relevant authorities their full support in any ensuing investigation.
As far as the match is concerned, the injury-marred Indian side were left staring at a tough final day, needing 407 in the fourth innings to get the better of Australia.
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