CANBERRA, Nov 14: The ugly spectre of racism in cricket has reared its head again with claims that two England players were abused by spectators on the Ashes tour of Australia.

Spinner Monty Panesar, a bearded Sikh, was allegedly called “a stupid Indian” by a spectator during the tour match against New South Wales.

South African-born batsman Kevin Pietersen was also abused by fans in England's tour opener in Canberra last Friday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not lodge an official complaint but confirmed the incidents had occurred after they were reported in Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper on Tuesday.

Brian Murgatroyd, the ICC’s media manager, said from Dubai that they were aware of the issue.—Reuters