Indian team management and players were last night reportedly left stunned after viewing extraordinary footage of people apparently drinking, lying and walking on the WACA pitch only hours before the third Test was due to begin in Perth today.

In a bizarre development, the Indian news channel Times Now filmed more than a dozen people - understood to include members of the ground staff - on the wicket to be used for the Test, having removed the pitch covers.

The footage was then shown to members of the Indian touring party at their team hotel near the WACA, including captain M.S. Dhoni and senior team officials, one of whom was coach Duncan Fletcher.

International Cricket Council officials have also reportedly seen the video, seen by this website last night. The ICC's chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, due to arrive in Perth last night, is likely to be shown the footage today.