Australia vs India: Stuart Broad opines on Ravi Ashwin and Tim Paine’s altercation in the SCG Test

The third Test between Australia and India was a witness to some jaw-dropping cricket, though the game ended in a draw. However, the match was a witness to quite a few controversies. After the incidents of racial discrimination on the third and fourth day, it was a turn of the players to raise the heat. In the thick of things were Ravi Ashwin and Aussie Test skipper Tim Paine.

During the final session of the last day’s play, when Ashwin was stitching a partnership with Hanuma Vihari, Paine decided to get under his skin. Paine said that the hosts are eagerly waiting for the fourth Test at The Gabba, scheduled to get underway on January 15.

Tim Paine tries to ruffle Ashwin

Ashwin was showing a great amount of resilience and Paine decided to disturb his mental tranquillity. “Can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash,” Paine said and started the conversation.

Ashwin isn’t someone to die wondering. The off-spinner hit back with ferocity, saying that Paine would be playing his last series if the latter goes to India. “Can’t wait to get you to India, it’ll be your last series,” Ashwin said.

Thereafter, Paine took to a bit of abusing, taking a sly dig at Ashwin. “At least my teammates like me, d⋆⋆⋆⋆ead,” the Australian captain stated.

In the meantime, Stuart Broad, the England fast bowler, said that banters are part and parcel of the game of cricket. However, the veteran was clear cut in saying that Paine shouldn’t be getting away after using certain abusive words.

Broad took to Twitter and wrote, “This is all a part of the game. The Test match battle but Painey won’t get away with that Language with the Laws above.”

Here’s Broad’s tweet –

Ashwin was outstanding with the bat when India were chasing down 407 to win the Sydney Test. He put on an unbeaten 62-run stand with Vihari. He stayed unbeaten on 39 runs off 128 balls with the help of seven fours. With the ball, he went wicketless in the first innings but picked up the wickets of David Warner and Steve Smith in the second.