SYDNEY, Nov 9: Cricket Australia (CA) is adopting a tough approach towards spectators who attend the Ashes series with the intention of spoiling the enjoyment of others.

“We want what fans want,” CA chief James Sutherland said in a statement on Thursday. “We want people coming to grounds to be able to enjoy the cricket in comfort, to enjoy the buzz of being a part of a large crowd, to have fun with family and friends and to give vocal support to their team.

“We don't want to be killjoys, we want to make sure everyone who attends matches this summer has a positive and enjoyable experience.”

Sutherland said CA had reviewed its policies since last season when the International Cricket Council (ICC) held an inquiry into complaints by South Africa and Sri Lanka players that they were the target of racist taunts in Australia.

“That has included research with cricket fans and they, like we, know that there are a small number of people at matches who misbehave,” Sutherland said.

“Our message today is come along, enjoy yourself and have fun. But if your idea of fun is to spoil someone else's day, we will identify you and we will take action. It's as simple as that.”

“We can't promise to totally eradicate bad behaviour that stems from a minority group. No doubt there will be some idiots over the summer who do the wrong thing. But we can assure fans that we will do all we can this season and in subsequent seasons to make their day the best it can be.”

CA's new measures include extra staffing, increased use of closed circuit television and the adoption of the ICC's anti-racism initiatives. The first of five Ashes tests against England starts in Brisbane on Nov. 23. - Reuters