The third Test between India and Australia completed its third day at Sydney Cricket Ground, but a disappointing update has emerged that two Indian players- Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been victims of racial abuse at the SCG.
The two Indian cricketers reportedly faced racial abuse from the crowd during the second and the third day’s play. The matter has been taken to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“The tour has surely turned sour and the last thing you expect in a civilized society is racial abuse. The ICC (International Cricket Council) and Cricket Australia need to be very responsive to this as the possible alternatives are not very pleasant for cricket, especially during the present circumstances. The Sydney Test has now become an acid test for CA interim CEO Nick Hockley and we are in complete solidarity with our boys. Racial abuse is unacceptable,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The Indian team management has filed an official complaint with match referee David Boon alleging the racist comments being thrown at the Indian players.
According to sources, a few people from the crowd constantly abused the two pacer and were reportedly under the influence of alcohol. “Bumrah and Siraj were called monkeys, wanker and motherf**** by the people almost throughout the time they were fielding. Captain Ajinkya Rahane spoke to the match officials and then the team management went up to Boon and lodged a formal complaint.” stated a source close to the team.
The woes does not end with this as India suffered two major setbacks on Day 3 of the ongoing Sydney Test as wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were both taken for scans after being hit while batting.