In a security breach, two protesters made their way into the field of play during the first ODI between India and Australia before being escorted out here on Friday. One of the invaders, carrying a placard denouncing India's Adani Group's coal project in Australia, reached close to the pitch just before pacer Navdeep Saini was getting ready to bowl the seventh over of the home team's innings.
The two were escorted out by the security after their brief invasion. Fans have returned to the ground for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced games before empty stadiums across the world. Cricket Australia has allowed filling up the stadiums to up to 50 per cent of their capacity in the India-Australia series. For the first time in months, spectators are being allowed to watch live international cricket, which was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia had made a steady start and were at 32 for no loss at the end of six overs, after which there was a brief hold up of play. However, the security escorted the man out of the stadium and play resumed.
India and Australia will play Three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests on this tour.