Former Australia captain and WK-batter Tim Paine says that he doesn’t regret sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the third test of the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy.
He cited an off-spinner who was ‘annoying’ him by getting his wicket frequently. After losing the series opener at Adelaide, India defied all odds to clinch a 2-1 series.
Ashwin has played a crucial role in drawing the third test in Sydney, batting for 42.4 overs with an aching back alongside Hanuma Vihari.
During the final session of the fifth day of the test, Paine and Ashwin engaged in a heated exchange of words that was captured by the stump microphone.
After failing to break Ashwin’s defences with the bat, Pain started poking the Indian from behind the stump saying, “I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash, I’ll tell you what, woohoo,” Paine said ahead of off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s over.
Ashwin responded by saying, “Just like we want to get you to India. It’ll be your last series,” to which Paine replied, “At least my teammates like me.”
Due to this Ashwin refused to bat until Paine stopped talking. He said, “Tell me when you’re done,” and Paine responded, “I’ll talk all day, mate. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal”.
Tim Paine later apologized for his behaviour saying he was disappointed and added that his leadership wasn’t good enough. He said, “I want to apologize for the way I went about things yesterday… my leadership wasn’t good enough, I let the pressure of the game get to me”.
India has been successful in the Border Gavaskar Trophy which has equalled the prestige of Ashes. India has edged out Australia overall winning 24 of 56 matches also including 20 defeats and 12 ties.
India has more series wins over Australia. Out of the 16 BGT so far, India has won 10 including both home and away games. Australia has managed to beat India if five series and one ended in a draw.
The next series is scheduled to start later this year in November, with India aiming to make it five series wins on the trot. Ashwin has made it to the India squad for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy.
India and Australia have secured top and second position in the WTC points table and their five-match series could bring a certain movement in the points table.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
