Sydney: In light of the Sydney racism incident, Australia skipper Tim Paine has urged the crowd to ‘leave the abuse at the gate’, and treat the visitors with respect and support the team when they enter the Gabba for the 4th Test in Brisbane.
“In terms of crowd behaviour we don’t condone the abuse of anyone; let alone from the racial standpoint. So we want people to come along to the Gabba, enjoy the game of cricket, support Australia, support India. Support the umpires if you like. But my suggestion is you leave the abuse at the gate and just respect the players, respect the game and have a good time,” Paine was quoted as saying to ESPNCricinfo.
Talking about the fourth and final Test against India the 36 year old said he is confident that the Gabba pitch will have enough bounce which will be hard for the Indian batsmen to handle.
“Yeah it [the Gabba] is right up there, no doubt about that. It’s a hard place to come and play cricket. Even for Tasmanians and Victorians to come here, it can be challenging to adjust to the different bounce and speed of the wicket. It’s something that has been to the advantage of Australian teams for a long time,” he added.
Paine apologised on Tuesday(January 12) for his unsporting behaviour, after sledging against Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on the final day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Admitting he was “bitterly disappointed” in his own conduct.
The fourth and the final Test of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy will get underway at the Gabba, Brisbane on Friday (January 15).
