Warwickshire Cricket to deploy undercover officials following the racial abuse during the fifth ENG vs IND Test

Warwickshire Cricket came up with a series of initiatives to tackle the instances of racial abuse that affected the delayed fifth Test between India and England. As a result, the second T20I between England and India at Edgbaston will be monitored by 'undercover football crowd-style spotters'. 

 Warwickshire confirmed that undercover football crowd-style spotters would be stationed throughout the Edgbaston stadium to listen out for abusive behaviour and report it immediately during Saturday's T20. They also said that the police presence at games would be increased considerably to handle such incidents and enable more chances of successful prosecutions. 

 "Nearly 100,000 people watched one of the most exciting Test matches in recent history earlier this week," Stuart Cain, Warwickshire's chief executive, said. However, a series of racial insults were reported from one of the sections in the crowd. "But we cannot hide from the mindless racist abuse experienced by some fans following India in the Eric Hollies Stand,”

 "These unacceptable actions by a small number of people have overshadowed a superb sporting contest, and those responsible do not deserve to be part of the cricket family. We need to work harder as people, as well as a venue, to take responsibility for ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcome when watching the game,"

 Edgbaston's security partner, G4S, is investigating why Monday's incidents were not more swiftly resolved. The club said that all fans at subsequent matches would be encouraged to report abuse discreetly via the Edgbaston app, adding that anyone found guilty of a hate crime will be banned not only from Edgbaston but from all venues under the ECB's jurisdiction.

 "I was angry that a minority of people thought it acceptable to racially abuse a group of fans who were following India and bringing great entertainment to the Hollies," Stuart Cain, CEO of Warwickshire Cricket, said.

 "This has given the club renewed energy and motivation to work even harder to make sure Edgbaston is a place for everyone - regardless of race, sex, gender, ability or background. A few mindless idiots must not distract us. We are determined that any unacceptable behaviour will have a very public consequence,"

 "Meanwhile, I want to apologise directly to any fans who were subjected to racist abuse. Everyone at Edgbaston will work hard to do better, and they are welcome back with open arms in the future," he concluded.

 England won the fifth Test and squared the series in thrilling style, chasing down 378 before lunch on the final day, of which 259 were scored on the fourth afternoon and evening. England's victory denied India a chance of a historic series win on English soil.