A group of spectators have been ejected from the Sydney Cricket Ground after play was delayed when Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj complained to the umpire.
Key points:
- Mohammed Siraj stopped play to talk to the umpires after he was fielding at fine leg
- Play was delayed as NSW Police spoke to six people in the crowd, who were later escorted away from their seats
- Indian players made allegations of racial vilification after play ended on day three
The Indian bowler was fielding at the fine-leg boundary when he left his position mid-over to talk with umpire Paul Wilson.
The umpire then spoke to ground staff and the police as play was delayed for about nine minutes.
New South Wales Police then escorted a group of four men, then another group of two people, out of the stand.
Siraj was one of two Indian players, along with Jasprit Bumrah, who made complaints of racial vilification after yesterday’s play.
India’s captain Ajinkya Rahane and other senior players spoke to the umpires at the end of the third day’s play as they walked from the field.
India’s coach Ravi Shastri, captain Rahane and vice-captain Rohit Sharma spoke to several ground and ICC officials, including match referee David Boon, before Siraj and Bumrah also came out and spoke to security staff.
Cricket Australia released a statement shortly after the incident on Sunday, condemning the alleged racial abuse of Indian players that had occurred on Saturday.
“Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour,” Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s head of integrity and security, said in a statement released at tea, shortly after the incident took place.
“CA is awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council’s investigation into the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday.
“Once those responsible are identified, CA will take the strongest measures possible under our anti-harassment code, including lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to NSW Police.
“As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent.”
Philip Heads of the SCG Trust said the body was looking into who was responsible.
Speaking on ABC Grandstand, former Australia bowler Stuart Clark said racism was not acceptable.
“It’s unacceptable behaviour at any level, let alone at a cricket game,” Clark said.
“It wasn’t acceptable 50 years ago and it’s certainly not acceptable now.”
