Indians in support of fire victims

AUSTRALIA’S cricketers have thanked the caring Indian supporters who held up placards showing their support for a country that has been ravaged by devastating bushfires.

Players fielding in the deep in Rajkot on Friday acknowledged the fans, who sat in the stands holding up signs saying: “Pray for Australia”.

“It was really nice of the crowd. I saw a few signs acknowledging that,” Pat Cummins said.

“We’ve got friends and family and people back home affected, so it’s not too far from our minds.

“It’s crazy, you see social media everywhere in the world, people in America, England ... and then you come over here and everyone is talking about the bushfires.

“It’s hard to match the impact. Whenever we hear the politicians or people talk about India-Australia relationships, it always comes back to cricket and it shows the deep connection we have.”

The gesture was enhanced by glowing support shown for Steve Smith and David Warner, who suffered a hard time from crowds in England last year.

While the crowd in Mumbai sat in a stunned silence during Warner and Aaron Finch’s record-breaking 258-run unbroken partnership last week, they clapped and cheered every milestone.

Both teams suffered a frustrating journey from Rajkot to Bengalaru for last night’s series decider.

Despite the delay, a flock of fans were waiting at Bengalaru airport and thousands of “selfies” were snapped when the players touched down.

Virat Kohli was escorted by armed security guards to the toilet and had to navigate through a sea of people when he left.