ECB and Edgbaston investigating reports of racism at India Test

Allegations of racism being directed towards India fans during the fifth Test against England are being investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Edgbaston.

India and England played out a thrilling fourth day in Birmingham on Monday, with the hosts 259-3 at stumps in pursuit of a record target of 378.

But Twitter posts following the day's play reported abuse within the stands at Edgbaston.

The claims were shared on the social media site by Azeem Rafiq, the former spin bowler who was at the centre of a racism scandal at Yorkshire, where he alleged institutional racism and an independent report upheld that he had been victim of "racial harassment and bullying".

"Disappointing to read," Rafiq wrote, to which Edgbaston's Twitter page replied: "We're incredible sorry to read this and do not condone this behaviour in anyway. We'll be investigating this ASAP."

The ECB published a short statement on its page, which read: "We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today's Test match.

"We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket."

We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today's Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket

— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) July 4, 2022

Play resumes in Birmingham on Tuesday morning, with a capacity crowd anticipated after tickets for a dramatic final day were given away for free.