Ravichandran Ashwin takes a sly dig at Tim Paine and former Australia cricketers after India breach the Gabba fortress

Tim Paine, on Tuesday, became the first Australian captain to lose two home Test series against India as the visitors thrashed the hosts by three wickets in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba. India chased down 328 on the fifth day of the game to seal the series by 2-1. The defeat also saw Australia lose their first game at the Gabba since 1988.

A couple of years ago, Paine had become the first Australian captain to lose a Test series at home to India. And as if the latest defeat was not enough for him, Ravichandran Ashwin added more salt to his wounds by taking a sly dig at him. Minutes after the game ended in Brisbane, the India spin spearhead took to Twitter to have some fun at the expense of Paine.

While issuing an apology for not being able to play the Test, Ashwin cheekily thanked Paine and Cricket Australia for hosting Team India at the Gabba. His indirect dig at Paine was definitely in reference to the incident that had taken place during the third Test in Sydney. When Ashwin was fighting it out for the team during the famous draw, Paine had tried to get under his skin by saying: “I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba Ash I’ll tell you what, woo hoo.”

Not only that, but Paine had also abused Ashwin after the latter had hit back at the wicketkeeper by saying: “Just like we want to get you to India that will be your last series.” Paine had later issued an apology after facing severe criticism for his behavior.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s tweet for Tim Paine

Ravichandran Ashwin definitely had the last laugh in his battle with Tim Paine. While the spinner missed the game due to a back injury, it did not stop him from having another go at the under-pressure Australia skipper.

“Good evening from Gabba!! I am sorry I couldn’t play here but thanks for hosting us and playing some hard cricket during these tough times. We will remember this series forever! @tdpaine36 @CricketAus,” wrote Ravichandran Ashwin on Twitter.

Good evening from Gabba!! I am sorry I couldn’t play here but thanks for hosting us and playing some hard cricket during these tough times. We will remember this series forever! @tdpaine36 @CricketAus

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 19, 2021

Ashwin didn’t stop here and trolled the former Australia cricketers as well who had predicted a 4-0 loss for India after the Adelaide debacle where they were bowled out for just 36 runs. The likes of Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh and Michael Clarke were some of those and Ashwin hilariously wrote, ” LHS (not =) RHS!”

LHS ( not = ) RHS !

Yours happily
India tour of OZ 2020/21

Humbled by all the love and support we have received over the last 4 weeks!🙏 pic.twitter.com/nmjC3znglx

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 19, 2021