Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has taken a jibe at India, stating that the Indian cricket team created good ‘sideshows’ during the four-match Test series Down Under early this year.
A depleted Indian unit created history by beating Australia 2-1 in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Later, Paine was also heavily criticised for his poor glovework and captaincy.
As reported by news.com.au, Paine explained how the Australian’s got distracted by India giving importance to trivial matters. “Part of the challenge of playing against India is they're very good at niggling you and trying to distract you with stuff that doesn't really matter and there were times in that series where we fell for that.”
Ahead of the final Test, there were several reports on the reluctance of the Indian cricket team to travel to Brisbane. Instead, the tourists were keen on finishing the series in Sydney, where the third Test was played. Finally, India did travel to Brisbane and ended up shocking the hosts at their fortress in Gabba.
"The classic example was when they said they weren't going to the Gabba so we didn't know where we were going. They're very good at creating these sideshows and we took our eye off the ball, the wicket-keeper lamented.”
Incidentally, Tim Paine was also the captain when India defeated Australia 2-1 in the 2018/19 series Down Under. Given Australia’s recent defeats, it remains to be seen if Paine gets replaced as a skipper.
A few months ago, former captain, Steven Smith had already mentioned how he would be keen to take up the responsibility again.
Featured photo: AFP / Patrick Hamilton
