Protest disrupts first ODI between Australia and India in Sydney

Australian spectators make a statement against controversial coal project

Australia's captain Aaron Finch, left, and teammate David Warner watch as a protester holds a sign during the first ODI against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. AFP

A protester walks onto the pitch during the first ODI between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Getty

A protester disrupts the first ODI, holding a sign protesting a controversial coal project by India's Adani Group. Getty

Australia's captain Aaron Finch and teammate David Warner watch as a protester holds a sign at the Sydney Cricket Ground. AFP

A protester is escorted off the Sydney Cricket Ground. AFP

A protester is taken off the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. Getty

Security lead a protester from the field after he interrupted the first ODI in Sydney. AP

Australia's captain Aaron Finch with India's captain Virat Kohli after victory in the first ODI in Sydney. AFP

Cricket Australia allowed fans to return to venues. Getty

The Sydney Cricket Ground was at 50 per cent capacity for the first ODI on Friday. Reuters

The National

The first ODI between Australia and India in Sydney was disrupted by pitch invaders on Friday.

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The two spectators halted play to lodge a protest against a a coal mine project led by an Indian company in Australia.

The protesters ran on to the ground just before the seventh over of the match, holding placards against a $1billion loan to mining company Adani for a controversial project in Queensland, which has left environmentalists worried.

The spectators were escorted off the ground by security officials. However, reports emerged that a group of approximately 50 people had gathered outside the stadium to protest as well.

Updated: November 28, 2020, 8:31 AM