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          Six people removed from the SCG stands after Mohammed Siraj alerts umpires to abuse

          Mohammed Siraj and Ajinkya Rahane talk to umpire Paul Reiffel after spectators in the stands at SCG heckled Siraj Getty Images
          • Andrew McGlashan, Deputy editor, ESPNcricinfoJan 10, 2021, 04:33 AM
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              Deputy Editor Andrew arrived at ESPNcricinfo via Manchester and Cape Town, after finding the assistant editor at a weak moment as he watched England's batting collapse in the Newlands Test. Andrew began his cricket writing as a freelance covering Lancashire during 2004 when they were relegated in the County Championship. In fact, they were top of the table when he began reporting on them but things went dramatically downhill. He likes to let people know that he is a supporter of county cricket, a fact his colleagues will testify to and bemoan in equal quantities.

          Six people were removed from the stands at the SCG on the fourth day, and play was suspended for 10 minutes, after Mohammed Siraj alerted the umpires and his team-mates to further abuse from the crowd following day three's allegations of racial abuse directed at India players.

          Siraj walked in from fine leg before the start of the 87th over, and conversations between the India team and on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Paul Wilson followed, before the officials made their way towards the stand at the Randwick End.

          They were soon joined by security staff while police entered the stands to identify individuals allegedly involved. A few minutes later six people were asked to leave the area and play resumed.

          The events followed India making officials aware after the third day's play that they believed a group of players, including Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, were subject to abuse, including racial abuse, from the crowd.

          In response to yesterday's initial abuse Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security, said anyone who sought to vilify and/or harass had no place in Australian cricket.

          "Cricket Australia condemns in the strongest terms possible all discriminatory behaviour," Carroll said. "If you engage in racist abuse, you are not welcome in Australian cricket.

          "CA is awaiting the outcome of the International Cricket Council's investigation into the matter reported at the SCG on Saturday. 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.

          "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."

          Kerrie Mather, Venues NSW's Chief Executive, said CCTV footage was being reviewed to assist the ICC investigation.

          "At the SCG, we pride ourselves on welcoming anyone and everyone in a safe and inclusive environment. We are taking this extremely seriously. If those involved are identified, they will be banned from the SCG and all Venues NSW properties under our Act."

          More to follow