North Stand at it again; Hogg has 'no issues'

The Mumbai crowd doesn't seem to have learnt much from Thursday's lesson. After a spectator was charged by the police for "indecent behaviour in public" after abusing Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis on Day Two of the third Test, yesterday saw two more youngsters charged for the same offence at the Brabourne Stadium.

In anticipation of a historic third triple by Virender Sehwag, the North Stand was abuzz even before the first ball was bowled. As Rs 250 tickets were being sold for Rs 500 outside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric inside.

But once Sehwag was dismissed by Muttiah Muralitharan in the third over of the day, seven runs shy of a triple hundred, even the sight of Sachin Tendulkar walking on to the wicket did not satisfy some youngsters.

As a result, some of them started abusing Muralitharan for dismissing Sehwag. The authorities were quick to spot it and immediately took Shrey Shah and Harsh Chheda, both 22-year-olds, to the Marine Drive Police Station and fined them Rs 1,200.

The act, however, had some of the desired impact as the stand hardly jeered Australian commentator Brad Hogg, as they did on the first two days.

Despite being bombarded with chants of "Aussie sucks", Hogg said he understood the fun element in it.

"It is a bit uncalled for, but I have no issues since I understand they were enjoying themselves," Hogg, who took all the jeers sportingly, told MiD DAY.

"We all know that they appreciate Australian cricket," he added.