Cricket: Two spectators removed from World Test Championship final for alleged racial abuse directed at Blackcap Ross Taylor

  • 23/06/2021

Blackcaps great Ross Taylor was reportedly subjected to racial abuse on day five of the World Test Championship final in Southampton.

Two people were removed from the Ageas Bowl after reports of abuse directed at the New Zealand side, including alleged racial slurs directed at Taylor.

International Cricket Council (ICC) communications manager Claire Furlong confirmed via Twitter two individuals had been "identified and removed" from the ground for their conduct during play between New Zealand and India. 

An ICC spokesperson told Stuff they had received reports of abuse directed at the Blackcaps. 

"Our security team were able to identify the culprits and they were ejected from the ground.

"We will not tolerate any sort of abusive behaviour in cricket."

The ICC was awaiting a full report from their security team on the matter.

Day five bowling star Tim Southee said the side was unaware of any problems, with the complaint appearing to come from a television viewer.

"That's the first I've heard of it," said Southee.

"The game's always played in good spirits on the field, we're not sure what's happening off the field."

The test match is evenly poised heading into the final day's play, with India holding a 32-run led with eight wickets in hand.