Investigation into alleged racist abuse of Indian players at SCG Test

Cricket Australia and the NSW Police are reported to be investigating alleged racist abuse of India's bowlers during the Third cricket Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.

A group of male spectators were seen to be ejected from the SCG after play was delayed when Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj complained to the umpire.

Siraj was fielding near the boundary when he left his position mid-over to talk with umpire Paul Wilson.

The umpire then spoke to ground staff and NSW Police as play was delayed for about nine minutes before six people were ejected.

Siraj was one of two Indian players, along with Jasprit Bumrah, who made complaints of racial vilification after play on Saturday.

In a statement condemning the alleged abuse of Indian players on Saturday, Cricket Australia advised that it was "awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council's investigation into the matter".

Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security, then stated "Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour.

"If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket."

Cricket Australia issued a further statement at the conclusion of play on Sunday, saying it had launched an investigation with NSW Police.

This statement noted “the abuse of cricketers by crowd members is not acceptable.

"We thank the Indian team for their vigilance in reporting today's incident, which we are now in the process of investigating."

"It is most regrettable that an otherwise excellent Test match contested in tremendous spirit by two friendly rivals has been tarnished by the actions of a small number of spectators over the past two days.

"As hosts, we once again apologise to the Indian team."

Kerry Mather, the Chief Executive of Venues NSW, the body responsible for the SCG, said CCTV was being reviewed to assist the investigation, commenting “we are taking this extremely seriously.

"If those involved are identified, they will be banned from the SCG and all Venues NSW properties under our Act."

India veteran Ravichandran Ashwin was reported as saying that he has been the victim of abuse from Sydney crowds for almost a decade.

Ashwin stated “this is my fourth tour of Australia and in Sydney, we have had a few experiences even in the past.

“The way the crowd have been speaking ... they have been quite nasty and hurling abuse as well. There is a time where they have gone one step ahead and used racial abuses.

“There was an official complaint lodged yesterday and the umpires said we must bring it to their notice as it happens on the field. It is definitely not acceptable in this day and age. We have seen a lot and evolved as a society … this must definitely be dealt with an iron fist.”