Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Tim Paine tries to sledge R Ashwin (Watch video)

India's run in the ongoing four-Test series against Australia to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is getting tougher with each passing Test. While the third Test in Sydney ended in a draw, Australia did try to get under Ravichandran Ashwin's skin, in a possible sledging attempt.

Team Newsable

Sydney NSW, First Published Jan 11, 2021, 2:23 PM IST

On Monday, India and Australia have settled for a hard-fought draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The series now moves to its deciding game in Brisbane, starting Friday.

This Test at SCG was notable for India's frustrating batting performance on Day 5. Fine knocks from Rishabh Pant (97) and Cheteshwar Pujara (77) set the platform for India's commendable draw, chasing a formidable target of 407.

The pair of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin batted out until the end to churn out the draw, thus wearing and tearing the Australian bowlers in the process. However, the Australian skipper, Tim Paine, tried to get under the latter's skin, in a possible attempt to sledge.

In a video shared on social media, both can be seen exchanging a few words, which sound:
Paine: Geez, I can't wait to get you to the Gabba Ash.
Ashwin: Just like we want to get you to India. It'll be your last series.
Paine: Maybe, are you a selector here as well?
Ashwin: The way you play…
Paine: At least my teammates like me, d***head. I've got a lot more Indian friends than you do. Even your teammates think you're a goose. Don't they. Every one.
Matthew Wade too joined in: Just don't end up with a broken rib.
Ashwin: Tell me when you're done.
Paine: I can talk all day, mate. You wait until you get to the Gabba pal.

ALSO READ: Was there a sabotage attempt when Rishabh Pant was batting? (Watch)

In another video footage, the banter continued, as Paine said, "How many IPL teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them to have you? If you captain, 'oh coming from captain'. I've already played a series in India. Can't remember my average, 60 something."

Analysing the banters, former Australian, Kerry O'Keeffe told Fox Cricket, "It's not banter, it's pointed." Meanwhile, fellow former Australian, Michael Hussey replied, "It was tactics, trying to put Ashwin off his concentration."

Nonetheless, it was not well-received by legendary former Indian, Sunil Gavaskar, who told Channel 7, "It's ridiculous. It's unnecessary. What he said he's got more friend than Ravichandran Ashwin is unwanted and unnecessary. This game has been such a fabulous game of cricket. I tell you what, what Tim Paine said to Ravichandran Ashwin just waiting to get you to the Gabba, I can tell you, Bumrah and company are also waiting to get to the Gabba."

Last Updated Jan 11, 2021, 2:23 PM IST

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Tim Paine tries to sledge R Ashwin (Watch video)

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