Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was once again targeted by a section of Australian spectators. A few fans at the Gabba was seen chanting ‘grub’ on Day 1 of the fourth and final test against India. The fast bowler was racially abused during the third test at Sydney as well. The test match at SCG was marred by two incidents in which two Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah was racially abused. The situation was so serious that the match had to be stopped for 8 minutes. New South Wales Police had to intervene and escorted the six men who were constantly chanting racial abuses targeted towards Siraj and Bumrah.
Siraj didn’t spend much time in front of section 215 and 216 at the Gabba but that’s where a spectator – who asked to be identified only by first name – told the Sydney Morning Herald that the fast bowler was repeatedly called a “grub” by vocal spectators. Washington Sundar, who made his test debut on Friday was also subjected to the same chat from the unruly section.
“The guys behind me have been calling – shouting – both Washington and Siraj grubs,” a spectator named Kate said.
“It started targeted at Siraj and it was a chant similar to the SCG one (in which fans sung to the tune of Que Sera, Sera but substituted the lyrics with Que Shiraz, Shiraz).
“But this time it was Siraj. I suspect it’s not a coincidence that it’s Siraj being targeted post the SCG stuff.”
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.”