Sydney: With India staging a spectacular and brave rearguard action on the final day of the third Test to deny Australia victory, the home team got desperate with every passing over and tried every trick to break the stubborn sixth-wicket partnership between Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The stump microphone picked up several banters between players of two teams during the live television broadcast. But the most animated exchange was the one between Australian captain and wicketkeeper Tim Paine and Ashwin. Paine even used foul language.
In a video which was shared on social media, Ashwin can be seen pulling out twice just as Nathan Lyon was about to bowl to him as the verbal volleys disturbed him.
“I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash. Tell you what,” Paine was heard saying.
Ashwin retorted: “Just like I can’t wait for you to come to India, it’ll be your last series.”
Paine responded: “Maybe, you were selected here as well. At least my teammates like me, d******d.”
It didn’t end there as Ashwin quipped: “How many IPL teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them?”
Watch the video here:
Paine; Can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash
Ashwin; Can’t wait to get you to India, it’ll be your last series
Paine; At least my teammates like me, dickhead pic.twitter.com/1XBTmAiAue
— Nick Toovey (@OneTooves) January 11, 2021
Ashwin, who took a number of blows on his body, and a hobbling Vihari with a hamstring injury batted for over 40 overs to help India eke out an improbable draw.
With the series tied at 1-1, the final Test will be played at Brisbane from January 15.
