Former Australian captain Tim Paine recently revealed he has no regrets about sledging Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin during the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Paine, the wicketkeeper, shared that his remarks were aimed at unsettling Ashwin, who was frequently dismissing him and, in Paine’s words, “annoying” him. This infamous verbal duel unfolded during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where India was chasing a challenging target of 407 in the last innings. Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari mounted a determined partnership to save the game, while Paine attempted to break Ashwin’s concentration with his sledging.
“Can’t wait to get you to the gabba, Ash!”
Paine’s taunt, “I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash, we’ll see you there, huh?” was meant to remind Ashwin of Australia’s stronghold at The Gabba, a ground where they hadn’t lost since 1988. Paine clarified in The Grade Cricketer podcast, “No, I don’t regret it, because to this day, Ashwin didn’t play that (Brisbane) Test. I was talking directly to him, not to the Indian team.” Paine acknowledged Ashwin’s skills, admitting he was frustrated with the spinner’s repeated dismissals.
Ashwin’s witty comeback
Ashwin, unfazed by Paine’s comments, responded coolly, saying, “Just like we want to get you to India; that will be your last series.” This quick-witted comeback turned heads and showed Ashwin’s composure under pressure, further intensifying the tension between the two teams.
Paine reflects on Ashwin’s absence from Brisbane
Reflecting on the Brisbane Test, Paine revealed that Ashwin didn’t participate due to back spasms, saying, “It was directed straight at him, and he pulled out of that Test. Did I have a great game? No, but I showed up. On day one, he was jogging laps; those back spasms couldn’t have been that bad.”
India’s historic win at The Gabba
Despite missing key players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, India achieved a monumental victory at The Gabba, chasing down 328 on the final day. Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant played pivotal roles in this memorable chase, sealing Australia’s first defeat at The Gabba in 32 years and clinching the series 2-1. This win became a testament to India’s resilience, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket history.
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