India and Australia are currently squaring off at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Fifth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. However, the Fourth India vs Australia Test series has been overshadowed by a troubling incident of racism at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). A viral video has surfaced showing Australian fans directing offensive chants toward Indian supporters during the Boxing Day Test last month, sparking outrage across social media.
In the clip, Australian fans can be heard yelling “Where’s your visa?” at Indian spectators—a deeply offensive remark that has reignited the conversation about racism in cricket stadiums. The video, originally filmed during the Melbourne Test, resurfaced during the series finale in Sydney, forcing the issue back into the spotlight.
Racist Chants Spark Outrage
The video has sparked widespread condemnation from cricket fans and former players. Many called out the unacceptable behaviour, demanding stronger actions from Cricket Australia and stadium authorities to curb racism at matches.
The incident is reminiscent of previous episodes of racial abuse Indian players and fans have faced in Australia. In the 2021 Border-Gavaskar series, Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were subjected to racial taunts from the Sydney crowd.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with many labelling the chants as “pure racism.”
India’s On-Field Battle in Sydney
Despite the off-field controversy, the fifth Test in Sydney remains evenly poised. Rishabh Pant lit up Day 2 with a stunning counter-attack, slamming the second-fastest half-century for India in Test cricket.
Pant reached his fifty off just 29 balls, with his explosive knock helping India build a crucial 145-run lead. His innings included several big hits, with the wicketkeeper-batter showing no fear against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
Pant’s blistering knock ended at 61 off 33 balls when Pat Cummins got him out. However, it was Scott Boland who caused the most damage to India’s batting lineup, finishing with figures of 4-42.
At stumps on Day 2, India stood at 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding the fort. The visitors are aiming to set a competitive target on a tricky SCG pitch.
Bumrah’s Uncertain Participation
There is still uncertainty over whether stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah will bowl in Australia’s second innings. Bumrah left the field for scans on Day 2 after appearing to struggle with discomfort.
If Bumrah remains unavailable, India’s bowling unit will rely heavily on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to defend the target.
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