On Tuesday night, after Australia defeated India in the second T20I match in Guwahati, the Australian cricket team’s bus was attacked with a rock as it was returning to the hotel. The rock shattered a window on the bus, but fortunately, no players were hurt. Australian opener Aaron Finch shared a picture of the broken window on Twitter, expressing his shock at the incident.
The attack occurred after the match at the newly built Barsapara Cricket Stadium, which ended around 10:05 pm. Local police and security were escorting the team, and Assam Cricket Association officials assured the Australian team of enhanced security following the incident. The rock, believed to be roughly the size of a cricket ball, pierced through the glass and landed inside the bus, startling the players.
Assam authorities, including the Assam Cricket Association, have lodged a complaint and vowed to ensure the safety of the team. Assam’s Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to tarnish the state's image as an emerging sports hub. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
This is not the first time the Australian team has faced such attacks in the subcontinent; a similar incident occurred in Bangladesh during their tour in September. However, this is the first such attack in India’s recent cricket history. The incident has caused embarrassment ahead of the series decider in Hyderabad. Indian Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack, stating that it does not reflect India's security measures or hospitality.