In India-Australia test, Mohammad Siraj & Washington Sundar abused by Gabba crowd: Report

Days after Mohammad Siraj set a new standard for calling out poor crowd behaviour in Australia, he has been reportedly targeted by abusive members of Gabba crowd on first day of fourth Test in Brisbane. According to a report in  Sydney Morning Herald, Siraj was repeatedly labelled a "grub" by a group of fans at Gabba.

This comes after Indian team had lodged an official complaint with ICC after a group of spectators at Sydney Cricket Ground racially abused pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj on third and fourth day of third Test. While fielding at square-leg boundary, Siraj was allegedly called "monkey" and "brown dog" over two days by some spectators, who were removed by security guards after matter was reported to on-field umpires.

'I suspect it is t a coincidence': Spectator

According to report, Siraj didn't spend much time in front of section 215 and 216 at Gabba but that's where a spectator - who asked to be identified only by first name - told  Sydney Morning Herald and    fast bowler was repeatedly called a "grub" by vocal spectators. Debutant Washington Sundar - was subjected to same chat from unruly section.

READ | Gautam Gambhir defends Bumrah-Siraj, calls for enforcing strict laws against racial abuse

" guys behind me have been calling – shouting – both Washington and Siraj grubs,” paper quotes a spectator kwn as Kate. "It started targeted at Siraj and it was a chant similar to SCG one ("Que Shiraz, Shiraz" to tune of Que Sera, Sera). But this time it was Siraj. I suspect it's t a coincidence that it's Siraj being targeted post SCG stuff."

READ | IND vs AUS: Indian fan ejected from SCG rubbishes claims of racially abusing Bumrah, Siraj

At one point, a man in that section was heard yelling, "Siraj, give us a wave, give us a wave, give us a wave. Siraj, you bloody grub." ne of Indian players sent to field on boundary registered a reaction to anything said by crowd members all day, report added.

READ | Aakash Chopra bats for eradication of racism after pacer Siraj was subjected to it twice

Australian players joined Indian team in condemning racist fan abuse in aftermath of Sydney Test. "re is room for any racial sledges or any abuse in any type. People think y are being funny, but it can affect people in different ways. For me, cricket is sport for all and re is room for it at all," Lyon said during a virtual press conference.

READ | Mohammad Shami slams racism faced by Siraj & Bumrah at SCG, calls for 'strict action'