India and Australia are two of the most competitive sides. The matches between the two countries spark a lot of excitement and thrill but sometimes they get so heated up that it results in big fights and outrageous cricket controversies. Let us look at five cricket controversies from the past between India and Australia.
‘Monkey Gate’ Scandal
India’s tour of Australia in 2008 was the most controversial series ever played by India and Australia. The series had all ‘masala’ that could be asked. In the Sydney Test match, Harbhajan Singh was accused of passing out racial comment to Andrew Symonds. According to reports, Harbhajan called “Teri Maa Ki” which was misunderstood by Symonds to “Big Monkey”.
When the case came before a Sydney court, a disciplinary panel was formed to look into the allegations. After the BCCI drew a hard line defeating the spinner, Harbhajan’s three-test penalty was later lifted.
Sachin LBW out
Sachin Tendulkar has been unfortunate when it come to umpiring calls. Of all these umpiring gaffes, the notorious “shoulder before wicket” dismissal from Adelaide in 1999 is undoubtedly the most well-known. This is perhaps the first thing that Indian fans think of when they consider poor umpiring calls.
Steve Smith’s ‘Brain fade’
When India visited Australia in 2017, Steve Smith was scrutinized by cricketing fans and expert. In a Test match, Smith sought help from dressing room for the DRS review call. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli caught him and asked umpire to take action. Smith had to go back after Virat’s interjection.
Later in the post match presentation, Smith admitted his mistake and said that is was a ‘brain fade’.
Ricky Ponting pointing finger to Sourav Ganguly
The Sydney Test is also infamous for the biased decision taken by umpires. After Sachin Tendulkar’s dismissal, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly became a target of one-sided umpiring.
The incident happened when Michael Clarke claimed that he has taken a clean catch of Ganguly. Before umpire could decide or call for a third umpire, Ponting raised the finger and Ganguly was signalled out.
Virat Kohli middle finger scandal
In the early days of his career, Virat Kohli had to face booing of nasty Australian crowd a Test match in 2012. Exasperated with the manner in which the audience was acting, Kohli responded by giving them the finger.
This brazen move put Kohli under scrutiny and ignited a contentious discussion on his behaviour on the field. Virat was penalized 50% of his match fees for this incident.
