The recently-concluded Bengaluru Test between India and Australia is arguably the most pulsating and combative Test matches in recent times. Starting from Virat Kohli trying to unnerve the Aussie players with his verbal volleys to Ishant Sharma mimicking Steve Smith, the game was filled with banters. But the emotions and tensions reached a different level altogether when Steve Smith was caught red-handed seeking help from the changeroom on a DRS call after being trapped in front by Umesh Yadav.
The Aussie skipper has been severely criticised for his poor conduct and now Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given his views on the incident.
“Steven Smith actually turned back and asked the dressing room if he could take a review. That is completely unheard of,” said Ashwin speaking to his team-mate Cheteshwar Pujara in a bcci.tv video. “The last time I thought that to happen was in an Under-10 game, when my coach used to suggest where point fielders and cover fielders used to stand.
“It was really surprising. I have a lot of respect for Steven Smith, but that was very very surprising,” he added.
The usually calm and composed Pujara also played a part in the sledging game. The right-handed batsman revealed what he said to Australian opener David Warner to unsettle the batsman.
“Well, see, they were talking a lot and probably sledging is something which, as a unit, we felt that we can give them back,” Pujara said. “They were always under pressure when they walked in to bat, and I wanted to make sure their batsmen were thinking about it, especially David Warner. Whenever he walks in to bat, Ash (Ashwin) is always happy, so I always keep reminding him that Ash is the one who picks (up his wicket).”
The world number bowler has dismissed the explosive opener nine times in Test cricket including twice in the Bengaluru Test.
Shedding some lights on the banters that took place on the second day of the game, Ashwin said:“There was a lot of banter on the second day because we had to come back. We had to pump ourselves up. They were having a lot of chat on the park when we were actually going out to bat and we were down (on day one). It’s very easy to have a chat when you’re down. I told Matt Renshaw when he was batting in the first innings that if they didn’t score big, I’ll have them for soup and dessert. I was very happy it happened.”