3 minute read

Gabba security is on alert for any unacceptable abuse from fans at the fourth Test, with Tim Paine and Nathan Lyon urging supporters to be respectful of India.

Security will have their ears peeled for any form of racial abuse at the Gabba, where several Australian cricketers have urged fans to treat India with respect during the series-deciding fourth Test.

India registered a formal complaint regarding alleged racial abuse after day three of the SCG Test.

Mohammed Siraj then stopped play on day four of the contest, furious about further verbals directed at him.

Some witnesses in the crowd have claimed Siraj was not racially abused in the moments leading up to Sunday's stoppage.

As Cricket Australia (CA) continues to investigate, everybody involved in the four-Test series finale that begins on Friday is desperate to ensure there is no repeat of the ugly episode.

Additional security has not been called in but the Siraj incident has been a recent topic of discussion between CA officials and Gabba counterparts.

"We're comfortable and confident with the protocols we've got," Gabba boss Mark Zundans said, urging fans to report any incidents.

"We just want people to be considerate at all times ... remain respectful.

"We take things very seriously, Cricket Australia take racial vilification very seriously ... people will be dealt with accordingly."

The Gabba, where Australia haven't lost a Test since 1988, has forged a reputation for being an incredibly uncomfortable venue for foreign sides.

The pitch has obviously been central to achieving 'Gabbatoir' status but an unforgiving crowd has also unsettled plenty of touring players.

Stuart Broad is one notable example, having quipped he was pleased his "mum wasn't in the stadium" after being showered with barbs and boos in 2013.

One spectator even smuggled a pig, allegedly with 'Broad' written on it, into the Gabba.

Darren Lehmann, then coaching Australia, had called on the nation's fans to try to ensure Broad "cries and goes home" in response to the paceman's refusal to walk during a Test in England.

Australia skipper Tim Paine had a different sort of call to arms on Friday.

"We don't condone the abuse of anyone. Let alone from the racial standpoint," Paine said.

"Support Australia. Support India. Support the umpires if you like.

"But my suggestion is you leave the abuse at the gate."

There has been widespread support for Siraj's line-in-the-sand moment throughout the global cricket community.

"It (all forms of abuse from the outer) is quite disgusting," Nathan Lyon said.

"There's absolutely no place for it."

David Warner has apologised to Siraj and the visiting team, saying he expects better from crowds at home.

Meanwhile, the sold-out Gabba has been cleared to host almost 14,000 fans on Friday.

The venue is at half capacity because of COVID-19 protocols but that number includes staff, broadcasters, players and coaches.