Australia Coach Justin Langer apologises after disappointing racial abuse against Indian players

Australia coach Justin Langer condemned the racial incident directed at Mohammed Siraj by the Sydney Cricket Ground crowd in the third Test of the four-match Test series, calling it a shame and one of his greatest pet hates.

Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were subjected to racial abuse but a day after India officially lodged a complaint with the ICC, six spectators were asked to leave the ground with the Hyderabad pacer once again subjected to crowd trouble on day 4 of 3rd Test.

"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.

"Sorry, it is upsetting and it is disappointing," he asserted.

"...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 said.

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."