India is coming off a title-winning performance in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as it tamed Australia, Down Under, to retain the crown successfully. However, it wasn't an easy task to say, both on and off the field.
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The Indians were subject to racial abuse from the crowd during the Sydney Test. Meanwhile, India's veteran off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed further details of the challenges the Indians faced, especially during their stay in the Sydney Test's bio-bubble.
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"We reached Sydney, they locked us with severe restrictions. There was a unique thing that happened in Sydney. It was strange, to be honest. Both India and Australia were in the same bubble. But, when Australian players were in the lift, they won't allow Indian players inside it," Ashwin was quoted as saying by PTI.
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"Seriously guys? We felt so bad at that time. We are in the same bubble. But, you get into the lift and you can't share the space with another person staying in the same bubble. It was too difficult for us to digest. We are all in the same bubble, but you get into the lift and share the lift space!" added Ashwin.
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The Sydney Test saw Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj being racially abused. While the Indians complained of the same at stumps on Day 3, it was on Day 4 when Siraj came up with a fresh on-field complaint and a section of the crowd was asked to leave.
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Nonetheless, the Indians managed to develop formidable performance, with Ashwin contributing both with the bat and the ball, which allowed India to salvage a hard-fought draw. The draw was praise-worthy since the Indians had a couple of injury concerns during the game itself, while as many as nine players were wounded during the series.
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