Australia coach Justin Langer reacted to the Indian players being racially abused at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where the third Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is being played.
The play was halted for a few minutes on the fourth day after visiting pacer Mohammed Siraj complained of racial abuse from a section of the crowd, leading to the expulsion of some spectators and an unreserved apology from the host board.
Langer was asked about the same after the end of the day’s play during the virtual press conference.
He said, “Sorry, it is upsetting and it is disappointing. ...it is one of my greatest pet hates in life, that people can think they can come to a sporting event, whether it is cricket or any kind and pay their money and think that they can abuse or so whatever they like.”
"I mean, I have hated it as a player, I have hated it as a coach, we have seen in different parts of the world, it is really sad to see this happen in Australia," he added.
Langer said it is especially frustrating when the cricket itself has been nothing less than exciting so far.
"I think our series so far has been played in such great spirit, it has been incredible cricket, it has been brilliant to watch on the field, it's been really played in good spirit between both the teams. It's a shame to see (the series) getting marred by incidents like that we are hearing about today and last night,” the Australia head coach said.
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During the second session of the fourth day, India players huddled in the center when Siraj, standing at the square leg boundary, complained of abuse after being hit for two consecutive sixes by Cameron Green in his over. Security searched the stands for the troublemaker and a group of people was asked to leave the stands.
"I have just read a book on the history of Australia and watched some good documentaries a couple of times in the last few months. It's saddening, we are educating ourselves and it makes you feel very sad that people are subjected to racism," Langer said referring to Australia's troubled history with regards to the indigenous aboriginals.
"When you start getting educated... About what has happened in the history of Australia you can understand why it's so hurtful," he added.
India ended day 4 on 98/2, still needing 309 runs to win the match and go 2-1 up in the series.
(PTI inputs)
