The ugly spectre of racism in cricket has reared its head again with claims two England players were abused by spectators on the Ashes tour of Australia. Spinner Monty Panesar, a bearded Sikh, was allegedly called "a stupid Indian" by a spectator during the tour match against New South Wales.
Panesar and South African-born batsman Kevin Pietersen were abused by fans in England's tour opener in Canberra last Friday. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not lodge an official complaint but confirmed the incidents had occurred after they were reported in Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper on Tuesday.
Cricket Australia officials said they were unaware of the incidents until informed by the ECB. The Daily Telegraph said Panesar had been fielding on the boundary at the Sydney Cricket Ground when a spectator began shouting at him.
"Give us a wave, Monty. You can't speak English you stupid Indian, I'll have to say it in Indian. "What are you doing playing in the English side? You're not English."
The ICC launched an investigation into last year's claims before introducing tough new guidelines on tackling racism, including life bans for spectators found guilty and penalties against countries that fail to impose the bans.