Parthiv Patel recalls sledging Steve Waugh's son using famous line 'You were in nappies when I played my first Test match'

When Parthiv Patel made his debut in 2002, he was the second youngest Indian to play Test cricket. He had a decent start to his career as he was backed by Sourav Ganguly for the wicketkeeper role in the Test team. He was part of the Indian squad which had some good overseas outing back during Ganguly’s reign.

A few years ago, the wicketkeeper-batsman had revealed about an infamous banter he and legendary Australian batsman Steve Waugh had during the latter’s last Test match. In a recent interaction, Parthiv Patel opened up how he gave the same sledge back to Steve’s son, Austin Waugh during India’s tour to Australia 2018-19.

The story begins in Sydney in early 2004. Waugh was playing the final Test of his career and Australia was staring down a series defeat at home. India had put on a huge target to chase for Australia and the hosts were finding it difficult to get through the day. Patel who was the keeper in that match was trying to get into Waugh’s mind by having a go at him.

At this very moment, Waugh lost his cool and turned to Patel said, “Show a bit of respect, you were in nappies when I played my first Test match.”

The time when Parthiv sledged Steve Waugh’s son on 2018-19 India tour of Australia

Patel revealed that during the 2019 Test between India and Australia in Sydney, he saw Steve’s son, Austin Waugh as one of the substitute fielders. Patel apparently said the exact same thing to Austin as the two shared a laugh.

“I didn’t bump into Steve Waugh, but I did bump into his son, during the Test match in Sydney in 2018-19. He was one of the substitute fielders for Australia. I went up to him and said: ‘You were in your nappies when I made my Test debut'”, Patel laughed while sharing the story during the YouTube show Cow Corner Chronicles.

“I told him to pass my regards to his dad (Steve Waugh) and just say those words back to him,” added Patel.

Recalling the series of 2003-04 in Australia which India eventually drew 1-1 after Waugh and co. saved the final Test in Sydney, Patel said it was fantastic to be the part of the side which eventually won a series in Australia. Patel was the stand-up keeper for India on 2018-19 tour and didn’t get a single game.

“We missed out narrowly in 2003-04 in Australia. To be there again, as part of history was brilliant. To win a Test series in Australia is huge. To be able to do it for the first time, even though I didn’t play a single Test. To be around the team and be part of the moment, makes me proud,” Patel said.