The final day of the Sydney Test between India and Australia saw plenty of aggression from the hosts, led by skipper Tim Paine. When Ravichandran Ashwin was having a change of thigh guard, Tim Paine shouted that to the Indian batsmen that they have to get on with the game. In one such interaction caught on stump mic, Tim Paine is heard sledging Ravichandran Ashwin by saying, "Can't wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash." To this, Ravichandran Ashwin had a classy response in saying, "Just like we wanna get you to India, may be your last series." The response given by Ravichandran Ashwin was classy and it put social media on overdrive. Tim Paine apparently used the Gabba sledge following reports that the Indian cricket team were reluctant to travel to Brisbane due to the hard lockdown imposed in the city due to new cases of the coronavirus.
Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin stitched an epic rearguard partnership that lasted for 42 overs as India managed to save the Sydney Test against Australia and keep the series alive at 1-1 heading into the series decider at The Gabba. Vihari consumed 161 balls for his unbeaten 23 while Ravichandran Ashwin defied pain on his back and managed to remain unbeaten to show his mettle. However, the Sydney Test has thrown up a huge conundrum heading into the Brisbane match, with Hanuma Vihari ruled out due to a hamstring tear and there are several reports concerning Ravichandran Ashwin's fitness.
Epic sledge
While the Sydney Test ended in a draw, there was universal condemnation for the behavior of the Australian cricket team on the final day. However, Tim Paine came out in an impromptu press conference and apologised for the way how the team behaved on Monday in the Sydney Test. However, the damage done was too late with social media having a field day with the way Ravichandran Ashwin had sledged Tim Paine.
There were many tweets that ridiculed Tim Paine's captaincy as well as his nature while there was praise for Ravichandran Ashwin's response as well as his grit while batting with Hanuma Vihari in Sydney.
The final Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane and Australia would be looking for home comforts in their fortress as they aim to maintain a proud, unbeaten 33-year record in their Fortress.
