20 December 2005 20:28:48 GMT
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has condemned the racist abuse suffered by South African players during the first Test against Australia.
Five of the South African team, including all-rounder Shaun Pollock and bowler Makhaya Ntini, reported racist chants being aimed at them during the third day's play on Sunday to match referee Chris Broad.
The ICC has spoken to both teams about the incident and promised a zero-tolerance approach to racism at all cricket grounds.
"The fact that this is an isolated incident by a small number of people in one country does not lessen the game's resolve to address the issue," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said.
"Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to the ICC's Anti-Racism policy and has emphasised that it is taking the matter very seriously."
The incident comes at an acute time for the Australian authorities, with the country still rocking from the race riots which swept through Sydney last weekend.
Cricket Australia has promised that any fan found guilty of racism will be ejected from the ground and has given assurances to the South African team regarding the rest of the tour.
The South African team has welcomed the measures taken by the Australians.
"We hope this will not happen again and appeal to all to abide by the ICC's anti-racism policy," the head of the United Cricket Board, Gerald Majola, said.
On the field, South Africa batted out a draw on the final day, with Jacques Rudolph making an unbeaten 102 as the tourists finished on 287-5, chasing an unlikely 491 for victory.
