There were ugly scenes during the Third Test between Australia and India, as play was stopped for several minutes with Indian players accusing a bronze statue of hurling abuse at them.

The memorial statue of Yabba, a fan famed for his cutting remarks towards players at the SCG, was eventually removed from its seat in the second row of the area formerly known as The Hill.

It was not immediately clear what the statue was supposed to have said, but it did have its hand cuffed around its mouth in a motion specifically designed to amplify its voice. Rumours have circulated that the Yabba statue was yelling “monkey” towards the players, but several witnesses have come forth claiming he was in fact only using the Hindi slur “teri maa ki”.

Whatever it said, it was enough to upset the Indian player fielding near the boundary rope at the Paddington end of the famous ground, halting play and seeing umpires, police and SCG security officers involved. 

Yabba has a long history of sledging, some of his best include: “Bowl the bastard a grand piano and see if he can play that instead!” “Those are the only balls you’ve touched all day!” “Your length’s lousy but you bowl a good width!” “Leave our flies alone, Jardine. They’re the only friends you’ve got here!” and ironically, considering today’s events; “I wish you were a statue and I were a pigeon.”

Kerrie Mather, Venues NSW’s Chief Executive, said CCTV footage was being reviewed to assist the ICC investigation.

“At the SCG, we pride ourselves on welcoming anyone and everyone in a safe and inclusive environment. We are taking this extremely seriously. “

After play resumed, several security guards armed with hacksaws were seen working feverishly at the base of the bronze statue. There were unverified reports that the two split the cash return from the Maroubra Scrap Metal Yard.

“As series hosts, we unreservedly apologise to our friends in the Indian cricket team and assure them we will prosecute the matter to its fullest extent,” said Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security.

After several ugly incidents at the SCG, the visitors will no doubt be looking forward to playing the Fourth Test at the Gabba. Queensland is a state renown for its tolerance of visitors from foreign lands — as long as they follow strict quarantine rules and have absolutely no intention of migrating there permanently.