Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was yet again ‘racially abused’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) by a section of ‘unruly’ home team supporters on Day 4 of the ongoing Test match between India and Australia.

At least 6 home team fans were escorted out of the stands at the SCG by the police after Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Siraj expressed displeasure over remarks passed on by a section of spectators near the boundary line, where the latter was fielding.

Siraj complained of abuse while fielding on the fine leg boundary during the second session on Sunday.

Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane and pacer Mohammed Siraj were seen engaged in an animated conversation with the match officials complaining about the ‘abuse’, following which personnel of the New South Wales police evicted six people from the stands.

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The incident comes just a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah being ‘racially abused’ on Day 3 of the 3rd Test Match.

Also read: India vs Australia Test series: Pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj face racial abuse in Sydney, BCCI lodge complaint with ICC

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) on Sunday issued a strong statement condemning the incident of alleged racial abuse directed towards Indian players during the ongoing third Test between both the teams in Sydney.

Cricket Australia has also launched an investigation into the alleged ‘racial abuse’ of Mohammed Siraj by a section of crowd at the SCG.

Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s (CA) Head of Integrity and Security said, “Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour”.

“If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket. 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,” Carroll added.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has apologised to the visiting Indian Cricket Team over incident of its players being ‘racially abused’ by spectators.

“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,” Carroll further said.

Meanwhile, former India and Australia cricketers have come together to condemn the alleged instances of racial abuse against the Indian players in the ongoing Test match.

“Very unfortunate with what some of the Australian crowd has been doing at the SCG and spoiling the vibes of a good test series,” said former India opener Virender Sehwag.

“Very unfortunate to see what’s happening at SCG. There is no place for this rubbish. Never understood the need to yell abuse at players on a sporting field.. If you’re not here to watch the game and can’t be respectful, then pls don’t come and spoil the atmosphere,” tweeted former India batsman VVS Laxman.

“Unacceptable behaviour there is no place for racism, I hope this is dealt in the most severe way,” tweeted former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody.

Meanwhile, commentator Harsha Bhogle said, “I hope these incidents of racist abuse are investigated and addressed immediately. Apparently it isn’t difficult to find out who these idiots were. Expecting a quick resolution because that is what Cricket Australia would want too.”

On the other hand Virat Kohli said, “Racial abuse is absolutely unacceptable. Having gone through many incidents of really pathetic things said on the boundary Iines, this is the absolute peak of rowdy behaviour. It’s sad to see this happen on the field.”

Meanwhile, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is part of the playing eleven of the Indian team at the SCG said, “This must be dealt with an iron fist and we must make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

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