Australian Test team denies having any visibility issues with the Fort Protesters

The Australian Test team have denied all the rumours that their batters got distracted by anti-government protesters, who were evicted from the ramparts of the Galle fort during the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.

It is normal to see large crowds gathering above the Fort near the Galle Stadium during matches as the action is pretty viewable above the walls of the Fort. And it was no different during the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia, where large crowds assembled, right above the Fort, especially during the first two days of play of the Galle Test. 

The public overlooking the ground above the Fort can hold banners and placards during matches related to the game. But that was not the case this time. Instead, people came up with placards and banners protesting against the Sri Lanka government, asking for the resignation of Sri Lanka's president Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid the country's worst economic crisis. 

Late on day 2, the protesters were forcibly removed from the fort ramparts, even though the ramparts are public spaces. It was understood that the authorities also asked the broadcasters not to show the anti-government protesters as the game was being broadcasted globally. 

Speaking to the local media, an Army officer said on June 30th that "the protesters were using banners that disturbed the batsmen's vision, so they were asked to remove them. From the site. Also, the people were advised not to stay in that place."

In response, after day 2, an Australian spokesperson denied any of these suggestions that the Australian batters were distracted by any of these placards and banners held by the people watching the game above the Fort. Australia finished day 2 with 101 first innings lead on the board. 

Players of the Australian Test team also denied, while speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, having any visibility issues from those placards held by the protesters in the fort ramparts. 

Sri Lanka is currently going through a huge economic crisis, something which they have never seen before. The SLC has managed to carry on this all-format tour, hosting the Australian Men's Cricket team. During this series, SLC banned protests inside its grounds, preventing fans from bringing anti-government placards and banners. Only posters thanking Australia for touring were allowed.

Australia won the first Test match by ten wickets. The second and final Test will commence on July 8th in Galle.