RACISIM IN CRICKET AGAIN

England players racially abused in Australia

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 three-day tour match against New South Wales at the SCG.

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 The Daily Telegraph newspaper on Tuesday.

"We were asked by the paper to confirm if the incident took place and we have done," a team spokesman said.

"We will continue to monitor the situation, but we're not going to make an official complaint at this stage."

International Cricket Council spokesman Brian Murgatroyd said his organisation was aware of the issue.

"Our anti-racism code is in place and I know Cricket Australia is doing their best to enforce it," he said.

Cricket Australia officials said they were unaware of the incidents until informed by the ECB.

New South Wales captain Simon Katich said he was disappointed to hear about the incidents.

"I don't think any of us want to see that and it is disappointing," Katich told reporters on Tuesday.

"Hopefully, it won't happen again. Cricket Australia (CA) have said they will take a tough line against it and hopefully they will."

Panesar, 24, underwent counselling from a team psychologist before leaving England amid fears he would be singled out by Australian crowds.

South African and Sri Lankan players complained they had been racially abused on their tour of Australia last season and Proteas captain Graeme Smith had said he had feared for Panesar when he came to Australia.

:: WWW.ABCBEWSAUSTRALIA