Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, 3rd Test: Cricketers upset over racial slur by SCG crowd

India and Australia are sweating it out in Sydney in the ongoing third Test for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the Sydney Cricket Ground crowd has been harsh on the Indians, as two incidents of racial abuse have been reported. Naturally, former cricketers are not impressed.

The ongoing third Test between India and Australia is heating up with its intense gameplay. However, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) crowd is trying to heat the blood of the Indians by hurling racial slurs at them.

There have been two instances of racial smears by the crowd at the venue, which happened at the end of Day 3 (Saturday), while play was briefly halted on Day 4 (Sunday) for the same reason. Indian pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been at the receiving end, while Sunday saw a section of the crowd being removed from the Randwick End.

Naturally, former Indian cricketers are not impressed by the incidents, as they have vented out their frustrations on social media. Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag noted, “Tum karo toh Sarcasm, aur koi Kare toh Racism. Very unfortunate with what some of the Australian crowd has been doing at the SCG and spoiling the vibes of a good test series.”

Veteran Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, wrote, “I personally have heard many things on the field while playing in Australia about Me My religion My colour and much more..This isn’t the first time the crowd is doing this nonsense..How do u stop them ??”

Meanwhile, former batsman, VVS Laxman was livid with the event, as he lashed out on Twitter by saying, “Very unfortunate to see what’s I hope the spectators evicted from the SCG today aren’t allowed in to a ground at anytime. They tarnish our sport and they tarnish the reputation of their society.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.”

Australian coach, Tom Moody wrote, “Unacceptable behaviour there is no place for racism, I hope this is dealt in the most severe way.”

Also, renowned commentator, Harsha Bhogle recorded, “I hope the spectators evicted from the SCG today aren’t allowed into a ground at anytime. They tarnish our sport and they tarnish the reputation of their society.”

Indian woman cricketer, Shikha Pandey urged the SCG crowd to be sensible, especially during these challenging times. “Com’on spectators, we can all do better. The game of cricket is about celebrating EVERYONE and not abusing. #Unacceptable P.s. Getting to watch cricket live from the stadium is a privilege in these difficult times, honour it.” she remarked.

Also, former Australian batsman, Michael Hussey criticised the incident. "It's terrible behaviour and I can't believe it's still happening in this day and age. They should be banned for life from coming to cricket. The Indians have come here to our shores to entertain us, play some great cricket, we should be so grateful that we can watch some live sport. To treat the players like that is unacceptable," he told Fox Cricket.

Hussey was supported by fellow former Australian spinner, Shane Warne, who said, "Disgraceful to be honest, absolutely disgraceful. Should never happen, especially what's happened in the last 12 months or so with everything else around the world. Let's hope they come down heavy and find the culprits."