Bumrah and Siraj allegedly abused racially, BCCI lodges complaint with match referee

Sydney: The BCCI lodged a formal complaint with ICC match referee David Boon after fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were allegedly racially abused by the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday.

A BCCI source told PTI that Siraj was allegedly referred to as a "monkey" by a drunk spectator in one of stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reliving the infamous Monkeygate episode of the Indian team's tour of Australia in 2007-08.

According to a report in Australian newspaper, the Daily Telegraph, stated, "It's understood Indian officials say the pair have been abused by members of the public for the past two days, and believe the abuse has been racist in nature... amid suggestions a crowd member at the Randwick end of the ground abused Siraj who was fielding at fine leg at the time."

"In another instance while the match was still continuing, Indian staff walked around behind where Bumrah was standing in the outfield and spoke to the star quick," the report added.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the stadium security officials were involved in a long discussion with Bumrah, Siraj and members of the Indian team management after the end of the third day's play at the SCG.

Ajinkya Rahane, the India skipper, was also seen having a discussion with the security officials.

India had previously been involved in a racism controversy on their tour of Australia in 2008 although in that case, Andrew Symonds had alleged that Harbhajan Singh had called him a monkey which the Indian player and the team denied.

After a courtroom battle, Harbhajan was handed a three-Test ban but he was eventually cleared of the charge.

On the pitch, Australia assumed command of the Sydney Test by ending the third day with a lead of 197 runs. After bundling India for 244, the hosts rode the partnership of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the third session.

Steve Smith (29 batting) and Marnus Labuschagne (47 batting) gave an exhibition of how to bat on slow tracks with Australia reaching 103 for two.

(With inputs from agencies)