Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave it back to Australian captain Tim Paine, who was trying to sledge him in the 5th day of the 3rd Test match. Earlier Australian fans Racially abused Indian players on the 3rd day of the same test match.
Ashwin and Tim Paine gets into Batter
The incident happened during the final session of the Sydney Test on Day 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Ashwin, who displayed incredible resistance with the bat to keep India in the hunt along with Hanuma Vihari, decided to give it back to Paine after his sledging attempt.
It all started with Paine saying, “I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash, I’ll tell you what, woohoo,” ahead of an over of spinner Nathan Lyon.
To this Ashwin replied, “Just like we want to get you to India. That will be your last series.”
“Maybe. Are you a selector here as well?” Paine replied, adding, “At least my teammates like me, d**khead. I’ve got a lot more Indian friends than you do. “Even your teammates think you’re a goose. Don’t they? Every one of them.”
The Tamil Nadu cricketer meanwhile refused to bat until Paine stopped chattering. “Tell me when you’re done,” he said.
“I’ll talk all day, mate. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal,” Paine said.
Later, when Lyon enquired why there was a hold-up in play, Ashwin said, “It’s your guy, man. Not me.”
“How many IPL teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them to have you?” Paine went on.
“Oh I’ll come if I’m captain. I’ve played a series in India. Yeah. Can’t remember my average, 60-something?,” the 36-year-old continued in response to Ashwin’s earlier remark.
Moments later, Paine put down a catch off the bowling of Australia pacer Mitchell Starc – the third time on Monday, having dropped Rishabh Pant on 3 and then 56, earlier in the day.
Paine; How many IPL teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them?
I *think* Paine then launches into a bad Indian accent?!? pic.twitter.com/giIBLqeraK
— Nick Toovey (@OneTooves) January 11, 2021
Former cricketers view on the batter
The incident drew the attention of the commentators as well, with former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar saying he “never was a big fan of banter.” Former Australia spinner Shane Warne added, “Ashwin is well within his right to do that [stop batting while Paine chirped behind the wickets].
However, after the match, both Ashwin and Paine were spotted laughing the whole matter off as the team shook hands, with one over remaining. India salvaged a draw as the series remained level at 1-1.
Team India survived with a draw
India earned a hard-fought draw in the third Test after posting 334/5 in their second innings while chasing the target of 407 runs. Rishabh Pant played a sensational knock of 97 runs laced with 12 fours and 3 sixes while Cheteshwar Pujara showed his class with a 77 off 205 deliveries. But Ashwin and Vihari were the real heroes for the visitors.
The duo put on an unbeaten stand of 62 runs for the sixth wicket and batted 289 deliveries between them to help India keep the series alive with a draw. The four-match series still stands level at 1-1 after three games are done and dusted. The final Test will be played in Brisbane from January 15th.
