Since December 2023, Cricket Australia (CA) has laid out a Multicultural Action Plan to combat racism. They have tried to engage diverse communities, predominantly the South Asian communities, through sports and other initiatives. Their bid is to attract people with multicultural backgrounds with more opportunities from grassroots to the senior level.
In a reent interaction with Indian Express, Michael Napper, who is the man behind CA’s plan, said:
I think first and foremost, we have to acknowledge that racism still exists in society and hasn’t gone away. It’s still there. And it’s going to be there for some time, unfortunately.”
During the 2020-21 tour to Australia, Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj was called a “Brown Dog” and “Big Monkey” by Australian supporters at the SCG. In fact, he along with a few other Indian players were said to have complained to match officials about being racially abused.
The play was halted for some time after Siraj’s complaint. As a result, those spectators were thrown out of the stands and CA also offered an apology to the Indian team. Napper feels those incidents are unwelcoming and they are working towards creating a peaceful environment.
“We recognize that sport should be free of that. And it should just be a place where everyone can come and celebrate, feel welcome, and be part of that. So I’m really hopeful that we have moved beyond all those infamous incidents,” he added.
Michael Napper further revealed that they have mailing addresses of 40,000 students from South Asian backgrounds. As a key audience, Napper wants them to be part of the Australian cricket and Big Bash League apart from India-Pakistan games.
As per Napper, CA is hellbent on Indian and Australian audiences coexisting well regardless of their different approaches to enjoying the game at the stadiums.
Adelaide curator wants “good contest” between India and Australia
India will lock horns with Australia in Adelaide in the second test, starting December 6. The pitch curator, Damian Hough’s comments signaled a potential help to the fast bowlers, especially under the lights. However, they are preparing a balanced wicket to offer assistance to the batters as well as the spinners.

“History suggests that it is hard to bat under lights in Adelaide. The pitch will have 6mm of grass. We are trying to produce a pitch that would be a good contest. As long as there is something in it for all aspects of the game, I am happy, I just want a good contest,” Gough was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.
According to the weather forecast, rain and thunderstorms are expected on the first day of the fixture. As a result, the team opting to bowl first could have a major advantage in securing crucial breakthroughs.
FAQs
What happened in India’s last test appearance in Adelaide?
India were all-out for their lowest-ever total of 36.
What is India’s record in day-night tests?
4-1