Race taunts may lead to South African walk-off

South Africa have reportedly considered walking off the field if their players are subjected to further racial abuse on the tour of Australia. An article from South Africa's News 24 quoted a team source as saying the action was the only way authorities would listen.

The team has been subjected to taunts during the Test and one-day series, but a South Africa spokesman yesterday told The Courier-Mail they were "trying to move on from any racial problems". Peter Young, Cricket Australia's public affairs manager and anti-racism manager, told the paper the previous incidents were taken seriously. "We have reminded all state cricket associations to do certain things," he said, "and that we have a zero tolerance policy on racial abuse."

The original report from South Africa said some players felt they weren't being protected enough by the authorities and a meeting was held where the threat of a walk-off was raised. "This is the only way the authorities will listen and stop this," News 24 reported a team source. "If a match should come to a stop because we decide not to play anymore, people will quickly realise that we are very serious about this matter."