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A Cricket Australia report into the third Test at the SCG has concluded Indian players did endure racial abuse from sections of the crowd, but cleared the six men escorted from the ground on day four of any involvement.
The problem of racial abuse and sledging in cricket took centre stage after the Indian team complained of racial abuse on both day three and four of the New Year’s Test, with the second complaint resulting in a stoppage of play for several minutes.
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Police escorted six men out of the SCG on day four, however CA’s investigation into the behaviour of the crown cleared those men of any involvement.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, CA spoke extensively with the Indian team about the abuse they endured, as well as several eyewitnesses who came forward to offer their version of events.
The findings of CA’s investigation, which have been sent to the International Cricket Council, showed that while CA does believe Indian players were racially abused, they were unable to identify those responsible.
Indian fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were targeted by the remarks during the Sydney Test, reporting abuse after play ended on day three and stopping play on day four to deal with the issue.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation of those responsible, while India went on to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a thrilling fourth Test victory at the Gabba.
Indian bowler reveals umpire’s response to abuse report
Speaking in a press conference after arriving home in India, Siraj said both umpires offered to have the teams leave the field because of the alleged abuse.
Siraj alleged he and Bumrah had been referred to as ‘monkey’ and ‘brown dog’ at various points during the Test match.
“I faced abuses in Australia. The case is going on, let’s see whether I get justice or not. My job was to report the incident to the captain,” Siraj said.
“The umpires offered us to leave the game but Rahane said we won’t leave the game. We did no mistake, so we will play.
“The abuses which I faced in Australia made me mentally stronger. I didn’t let them affect my game.”
Siraj notably missed his father’s funeral in order to quarantine in Australia so he could take part in the series.
The 26-year-old earned a place in the side thanks to extensive injuries to India’s fast bowling line-up, ultimately playing a key role in their series-clinching fourth Test victory at the Gabba with five second innings wickets.
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