Racial abuse in SCG: Kohli terms it ‘Peak of rowdy behaviour’, calls for strict action

On the third day in the ongoing test match between Australia and India, team India players Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were subjected to racial abuse.

Team India senior players Ajinkya Rahane and Ravi Ashwin escalated the issue to the match officials and 6 members of the crowd were evicted with immediate effect.

Responding to the incident, team India captain Virat Kohli tweeted, “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.”

“The incident needs to be looked at with absolute urgency and seriousness and strict action against the offenders should set things straight for once,” he added.

“Cricket Australia confirmed tonight a number of spectators were interviewed by police and ground officials and ejected from the stadium and that a joint inquiry would be mounted by CA and NSW Police to investigate the nature of allegations made by the India team “to the fullest extent”, read a statement from the Australian Cricket Board.

This isn’t the first time the Australian crowd is accused of provocative and offensive behaviour. They had abused many players standing at the boundary ropes in the past as well. Cricket fraternity is calling for stern action against the culprits in order to prohibit racial abuse for once and for all.

Coming to the match scenario, team India needs 309 runs for victory on the final day and on the other hand, Australia need to pick up 8 wickets if they are to win the match. Rahane and Pujara will be at the crease to open day 5. Whichever team wins will take a 2-1 lead in the series.