Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Was there a sabotage attempt when Rishabh Pant was batting? (Watch)

India's ongoing four-Test series against Australia is scaling new heights, as the former defends the Border-Gavaskar Trophy title. The third Test in Sydney settled for a draw, while footage has emerged that Australia could have possibly tried sabotage.

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Sydney NSW, First Published Jan 11, 2021, 1:54 PM IST | Last Updated Jan 11, 2021, 1:55 PM IST

The third Test between India and Australia settled for a well-deserved draw for the visitor, and a frustrating one for the host. Nonetheless, the four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains locked at 1-1.

Day 5 saw a relentless approach from wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, who played a laudable knock of 97. His knock, along with a 148-run stand for the fourth wicket with Cheteshwar Pujara, played a pivotal role in the draw.

Meanwhile, footage from Day 5 has emerged, which displays that the Australians might have possibly attempted sabotage. During an over break, the stumps camera shows an Australian, perhaps Steve Smith, standing on the crease where Pant was on strike. As Pant had moved away to talk to his partner during the break, the Australian tried to remove the former's batting mark by rubbing his feet on the popping crease.

ALSO READ: 3rd Test: Here are the records scripted on Day 5

Watch the footage here:

Although most broadcasters failed to show the footage, it was US-based cricket channel, Willow TV, that did air it. Naturally, some fans were not happy with it, as some even lashed out at Smith, for having already attempted to cheat before, during the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, three years ago, that led to his ban.

Here are some of the reactions:

Nonetheless, there is no official word from any on the same. Furthermore, as India did settle for a well-deserved draw, it hardly mattered, as it looks forward to the deciding Test in Brisbane, from Friday.

Match summary: Electing to bat, Australia posted a total of 338, to which India came up with a subtle reply, but fell short, handing Australia a lead of 94. The host then produced a strong batting performance in the second innings, setting India a target of 407. Nonetheless, the Indians held their nerves, despite a couple of injury concerns, as they fought hard to settle for a commendable draw.
Brief scores: Australia 338 and 312/6 dec (Labuschagne 73, Smith 81, Green 84; Saini 2/54, Ashwin 2/95) drew India 244 and 334/5 (Rohit 52, Pant 97, Pujara 77; Hazlewood 1/20).

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