Cricket Australia apologised to the India team on Sunday and has started an investigation into the complaint lodged by the Indian players about racial abuse by part of the crowd during the third test at the cricket ground in Sydney.

The Indian team had lodged an official complaint after play on Saturday after bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj complained of hearing racist slurs while fielding near the boundary.

On Sunday, Siraj complained to the umpire and identified some spectators in the stands after which police ordered six Australia fans to leave the ground.

CA launched a parallel investigation with New South Wales Police, promising to take the “strongest measures” against anyone found guilty.

“It is most regrettable that an otherwise excellent test match contested in tremendous spirit by two friendly rivals has been tarnished by the actions of a small number of spectators over the past two days. As hosts, we once again apologise to the Indian team,” Head of Integrity and Security Sean Carroll said in a statement.

Venues New South Wales, which operates the stadium, said CCTV footage was being reviewed to assist the investigation and any fans identified as engaging in racial abuse would be banned from the SCG and other major stadiums in Sydney.

The International Cricket Council said the Indian team had informed match referee David Boon of the alleged racial abuse on Saturday and the governing body was “disappointed” with the incidents at the SCG.

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