Australian Test captain Tim Paine has stepped down from his post with immediate effect after his involvement in a sexting scandal.

As per the reports, Tim Paine sent out inappropriate messages to a female co-worker in 2017. The Aussie has been married to Bonnie Maggs since 2016.

What is sexting?

Sexting involves exchanging sexually explicit messages or media (including photographs, videos and audio) over the mobile phone. The word is derived from ‘texting�?a term that describes sending text messages over the phone.

The 36-year old Tasmanian announced his decision to relinquish his position at a press conference in Hobart on Friday afternoon.

"It's an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket," Paine said in a cricket.com.au statement.

"As a background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in.�?/span>

The development came just weeks before the start of the Ashes series on their home turf. Paine, however, stated that he would continue to be a part of the team.

"I have loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team. It's been the greatest privilege of my sporting life to lead the Australian men's test team. I'm grateful for the support of my teammates and proud of what we've been able to achieve together.�?said Paine, Australia’s 46th Test captain.

"I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour."

Paine took over the responsibility of captaining the Test side when the cricketing nation was engulfed in an embarrassing Sandpaper Gate scandal in Capetown in 2018 that had Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft as the chief culprits. 

The board has accepted Paine’s resignation and has begun the process of appointing the next Test captain.

In case Paine is not cleared to participate in the series, Alex Carey would be at the forefront to don the gloves.

What did Tim Paine say in the sexting scandal?

Warning: Explicit content

The following sexting exchange from Tim Paine was reported by the Herald Sun and the Daily Mail.

“Naughty thoughts like what? I’m about to give something firm a pull…�?/span>

“Will you want to taste my ***?? F*** me, I’m seriously hard.�?/span>

“Can’t rest (my hands �?responding to a wicket-keeping reference) when I’m this hard!! Need to ease the tension �?Finish me off with those lips then ;)�?/span>

“Finish me off right now!!!�?(Along with a picture of his private parts)

Featured photo : Patrick Hamiilton / AFP

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.”�?/span>

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.”�?/span>

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

"Abuse is not acceptable in any workplace and talk, in my opinion, is cheap. It does not show one’s strength. Rather, it displays a weakness of character,�?said Australia great Greg Chappell in an open to the current Australian captain, Tim Paine, urging him to let the ball and the bat do the talking rather than indulging in an ugly spat of words.

Paine was been under the scanner for all wrong reasons during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. And it’s not only Chappell who has expressed his discontent, but the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and even Shane Warne has publicly criticised the wicketkeeper-batsman for his antics.

Sarcasm is for winners

It’s one thing to sledge the opposition in order to wobble the concentration, but using cheap tactics, verbal abuse and personal digs can never be a part of any sport. They say sarcasm is for winners, but the kind of series Paine has had, it is safe to say he’s actually digging his own grave.  

Paine promised a ‘cultural change�?in the Australian dressing room upon being appointed as the new captain in 2018 following the infamous Cape Town controversy. But fast forward to the date, and the 36-year-old now carries the worst win percentage (47.82) for an Australian captain (minimum of 10 games) since Allan Border (1984-1994).

Credit where it’s due; Paine did a fantastic job in restoring Australia’s image after that colossal controversy, followed by the retention of the urn during the 2019 Ashes. Back then, everybody loved the humour Paine brought into the game to an extent that the pressure of Test cricket was no longer felt.

Embarrassing yourself with some woeful sledging, calling your opponent a “dickhead�?when he puts you in your place, and then mocking him with a terrible Indian accent.

“All part of the game�?for Australian test captain, Tim Paine.

“No harm done�?...#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/l9gZYljK0s

�?Andrew Gourdie (@AndrewGourdie) January 11, 2021

“Paine’s undemonstrative demeanour and capable leadership has not only seen Australia emerge from the rubble of Cape Town to become a top-level team, but it’s also resulted in their reputation rising from the depths to the heights,�?wrote the legendary Ian Chappell. “Paine has overseen this resurgence with a quiet but steely resolve, a thoughtful approach and a splash of humour that helps relieve Test cricket’s tensions.�?/span>

As the Australian bowlers failed to decipher the Hanuma Vihari-Ravichandran Ashwin partnership during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Paine decided to go with the verbal stoush, leaving not only the fans, but also the experts outraged. India eventually managed to pull off a historic draw and the skipper was fined 15 per cent of his match fee, and was forced to issue a public apology soon after. Everything that Paine did and said during the game backfired. In fact, at the time when Australia needed the wickets most, he dropped Rishabh Pant twice and spilled Vihari's catch in the dying moments of Day 5. If only had he taken the opportunities, the Sydney Test might have gone in Australia’s kitty.

"Can't wait to get you to the Gabba"

"Can't wait to get you to India, it will be your last series"

Tim Paine had plenty to say to Ravi Ashwin behind the sticks, but the Indian batsman wasn't fazed

He even watched the Aussie keeper shell one the next over pic.twitter.com/pmUNhMVDIe

�?Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 11, 2021

Paine has often been termed as a ‘temporary captain�?and this might be the right time for Cricket Australia to look for someone with a better leadership quality. What he brings to the table is nowhere near how a captain should perform. He has not scored a Test century in 34 matches, and his usual returns have been subpar too. The 2020-21 Border Gavaskar might very well be his personal best return with the bat, but that has rather been overshadowed by his antics throughout the series. Not to forget the dreadful DRS reviews and a sterile performance behind the stumps.

“Why hasn’t he done certain things?�?said Shane Warne of Tim Paine. “He hasn’t had the best time behind the stumps. I think at times their tactics haven’t been good enough, and I suppose that’s got to come down to Tim Paine as captain," he added.

A defeat at the Gabba in over 32 years is indeed infuriating given that Australia have slipped to third in the World Test Championship tally, but it also screams for changes. Under Paine, the Australian bowling attack, consisting of Jos Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, failed to bowl out India in consecutive Test matches.

Consecutive Test series defeats at hands of India, this time against a rather understrength opposition, gives Australia a harsh reality check. And maybe this will force the Australian cricket board to start looking for options as the team hopes to bounce back with a greater response.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Patrick Hamilton

India captain Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on the individuals in his side after the visitors scripted a historic win at The Gabba to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Chasing a mammoth 328 on the final day of the Test, Team India rode on match-winning innings from Rishabh Pant (89 not out), Shubman Gill (91) and Cheteshwar Pujara (56) to register an epic win in the fourth and final Test to claim the series 2-1.

Interestingly, India became the first team to beat Australia at The Gabba in over 32 years.

Stand-in skipper Rahane hailed his players for the character that they showed during the course of the four-match series against Australia.

"It means a lot to us. I don't know how to describe this, but our boys showed a lot of character and determination after the Adelaide Test," Rahane said at the post-match presentation.

"I'm really proud of each and every individual," he added.

Earlier in the series, Australia had won the first Test in Adelaide, while bundling out India with the pink ball for their lowest Test total of 36. However, the Rahane-led side registered a stunning comeback at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), winning the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets. The third Test then ended in an epic draw in Sydney.

Meanwhile, Rahane further hailed the youngsters in the team -- Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. 

Siraj had claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Brisbane and ended as India's leading wicket-taker in the series with 13 wickets. 

Debutant Sundar had a memorable outing as he picked four wickets and scored 84 runs at the Gabba. On the other hand, Thakur, playing just his second Test match, scalped seven wickets and scored 69 runs. The trio played a significant role as India conquered the Gabba fortress.

19 Dec 2020: India all out for 36
19 Jan 2021: India breach The Gabba fortress#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/P0sh5zsmtJ

�?ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2021

"Taking 20 wickets was the key, so we opted for five bowlers. Sundar brought the balance in place of (Ravindra) Jadeja," said Rahane while revealing that the team always wanted to play with five bowlers.

"The intention was clear to play five bowlers. Siraj played two Tests, (Navdeep) Saini just one, so it was inexperienced but the character shown by the bowlers and everyone else was incredible," he added.

India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been adjudged the Man of the match, stated that his match-winning innings in Brisbane was the biggest thing he has ever achieved in life.

Rishabh Pant in this series:

274 runs
68.5 average
69.8 strike-rate
2 half-centuries

India's match-winner #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WgGwuytEnp

�?ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2021

"I think this is the biggest thing in my life right now. I am happy (and thankful) to the support staff, and all the fans who supported me even though I was not playing the initial matches (the limited overs series games and the first pink-ball Test). But it has been a dream series I can say that. I had been practising hard and everything paid off because we won the series," said Pant.

On the other hand, Australia captain Tim Paine was pretty disappointed with his side’s performance in the series.

“Absolutely disappointed. We came here to win the Test and win the series, it's been a bit of a trend that we were found wanting in the key moments and completely outplayed by a tough Indian side that fully deserves the win. But all credit to India, our bowlers threw everything at them."

Pat Cummins, who was adjudged the player of the series, gave credit to Rishabh and the Indian team for registering an epic win at the Gabba.

Four matches
☝️ 21 wickets at 20.04
Most wickets in the Border-Gavaskar series

Pat Cummins, the No.1 Test bowler #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/PA5hOoYBWf

�?ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2021

"Good hard day of Test cricket today, I thought Rishabh and the whole Indian side played fantastically, took the game on and deserved the win. I would have liked the cracks to play a few more tricks, but it was a pretty good wicket. Once you were in, it was pretty free-flowing, the runs. I thought today and in Sydney the game was ours to win on day five, but we didn't take enough wickets, but overall happy [with my performance]."

Meanwhile, Team India moved to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings following their historic 2-1 series win over Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Feature image courtesy: David Kapernick / AFP

While the Sydney Test of 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy will be fondly remembered for numerous cricketing reasons, it wouldn’t have had half its flavour had it not been for the “behind the stump�?bantering.

India managing to salvage a draw on the very last day of the third Test match, defying all odds, could have been the only perfect ending to the epic contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who walked into bat with a sore back, couldn't bend to tie his own shoelace. The Australian bowlers then evened out the pain throughout the body with a few nasty short balls. He was hit four times on the bones and despite all that he batted with the willow in hand for more than 3 hours to oversee the casualty.  

His partner on the side of 22 yards was Hanuma Vihari. He too was a wounded soldier. According to reports, Vihari tore his hamstring on a grade 2 level while trying to sneak a single early on when he had come on to bat. The 27-year-old, on one leg, frustrated the home side for around 4 hours with the bat in hand.

All of this came with chatter and murmuring around the Indian batsmen. The Aussies who are known for their sledging kept chirping away to see what worked best for them. At some occasions, may have even crossed the line. Below are three illustrations which created news and even required the Australian skipper to apologize for the same.

Paine and Ashwin’s heated conversation

Perhaps the biggest one of them is the chat between the skipper Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. The latter was at the receiving end of some hostile reception from behind the stumps. The keeper then went over the limit calling him a �?***head�?and a goose. The offie gave it back with a savage reply asking him to come to India which would be his last Test series.

“I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba Ash. I’ll tell you what, woo hoo,�?Paine exclaimed.

“Just like we want to get you to India that will be your last series,�?Ashwin didn’t stay put.

“Maybe. Are you a selector here as well?�?Paine questioned.

“At least my teammates like me, ****head. I’ve got a lot more Indian friends than you do. “Even your teammates think you’re a goose. Don’t they? Every one of them.�?Paine went on.

“Tell me when you’re done,�?Ashwin said, withdrawing his stance.

“I’ll talk all day Mate. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal.�?Paine answered.

“It’s your guy man, not me,�?Ashwin told the bowler Nathan Lyon as play was held up.

“How many Indian T20 League teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them to have you?�?Paine persisted.

“Oh, I’ll come if I’m the captain.

“I’ve played a series in India. Yeah. Can’t remember my average, 60-something?”�?/span>

"Can't wait to get you to the Gabba"

"Can't wait to get you to India, it will be your last series"

Tim Paine had plenty to say to Ravi Ashwin behind the sticks, but the Indian batsman wasn't fazed

He even watched the Aussie keeper shell one the next over pic.twitter.com/pmUNhMVDIe

�?Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 11, 2021

Paine and Ashwin were then seen having a small chat after the day’s play. The captain also addressed the media the following day and apologized for letting his team down and allowing the pressure to get to him.

Labuschagne and Warner's amusing conversation

Marnus Labuschagne has been in fine form this tour. Topping the batting charts, he missed out on hundreds in both innings in the Sydney Test. When on the field during the second innings, the hosts were high on confidence and destined for victory. Vihari had just come out to the centre following Rishabh Pant’s dismissal. Standing in as a close-in fielder, the 26-year old wanted to give his bowler Nathan Lyon some motivation from his part. Just two balls into Hanuma’s innings, the Aussie began.

“That is going to rag with the new �?That is going to rag with the new ball, Garry (Lyon). You’re going to get both wickets, Garry,�?/span>

 “Shut up Marnus, it’s coming back to you,�?said one of his teammates, reminding him to keep quiet.

“Don’t leave it in the sheds Marnus, don’t leave it in the sheds. It’s amazing, you get a wicket Painey and Marnus doesn’t shut up. Got to be consistent Marnus, talk all day please,�?David Warner said doing his bit. 

“Shut up Marnus�?#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/3wWq9hC8wN

�?Liam Vertigan (@VertiganLiam) January 11, 2021

Labuschagne to the Indian openers

Marnus Labuschagne loves a word or two, doesn’t he? Trying to be cheeky, he was also involved with the Indian openers before the hilarious conversation with Warner in the second innings.

Trying to unsettle the Indian players on Day 2, Marnus was handed the talking job and did it to perfection most might say. Stationed at short leg, Marnus was constantly at the ears of the batsmen doing his best to distract them.

He first asked Shubman Gill who is his favourite player between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Gill replied to him saying he will let him know after the match.

Rohit was unavailable for the first two Tests and it was well-known that he had to isolate for 14 days before joining the team back. Marnus made the most of it and asked the hitman how he passed his time during that time. While Gill replied to the opposition, Rohit chose to ignore him.

His chats to his teammates that were caught on the stump mic were very entertaining.

“This is a catch. A Catch here,�?he kept chirping away when Rohit was on strike.

When a ball from Josh Hazlewood kept low he was soon to comment saying, “Aww that’s a lowey,�?/span>

Australia's Pant pic.twitter.com/JfDOn3STqZ

�?Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) January 8, 2021

Not just chirping, Labuschagne also played mind games on the 2nd day. In one of the overs during the second session, he tried to unsettle the batsmen by moving from one fielding position to another. After changing his position more than once, he returned to his original position.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / David Gray

The fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy is in hesitancy as reports suggest that team India is declining to take the road to Brisbane.

It’s come to notice that the BCCI has sent a formal letter to Cricket Australia stating their concern. It is understood that the members are unhappy with the new quarantine restrictions they will be during their days at Queensland.

What’s more alarming is the COVID-19 outbreak in Brisbane. The state has been put on high alert and the members fear that their approaching long cricket series between England could be hampered. India host the three lions in a long series starting from the 5th of February which goes on for almost two months.

Jeannette Young, the state’s chief confirmed earlier that the cricket can go on provided that both the teams stick to the protocol applied. Under the guidelines, the players and staff will only be allowed to travel between the hotel and the ground.

“They will be confined to the hotel. They are going to be playing with their colleagues in the matches so they are going to have exposure there. So it doesn’t concern me if they have exposure to one another in the hotel.�?/span>

The Indian team has been in quarantine for several months now dating back to September and it’s getting to them. They have voiced out their opinion to the CA and have made it clear. However, the Australian board needs to have an urgent update if India will shun the last Test. 

Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane refused to say anything before the start of the third Test. While Tim Paine was of the opinion of some friction between the tourists. 

“It’s boiling away. There’s some stuff starting to happen, there’s a bit of chat starting to happen. There’s a bit of tension starting to boil under the surface with a lot of unnamed sources coming out from their camp saying where they want to play the fourth Test and where they don’t want to go. I think it’s starting to grind a few people so we’ll see how it goes." Paine guessed.

The BCCI has not spelt out whether they want the fourth Test to be played in Sydney or they want to flee the country. The decisions coming from Mumbai have been hampered due to Sourav Ganguly, the president of the board, being hospitalised last week. SCG curator Adam Lewis also confirmed on Wednesday that he hadn’t been asked to prepare another pitch if a second Test was to be played.

The Indian cricket team defeated Australia by eight wickets in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to level the four-match series 1-1.

After restricting Australia's second innings to just 200 runs in the extended opening session of Day 4, Indian debutant Shubman Gill (35) and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane (27) chased down the 70-run target in 15.5 overs to record a win for the ages.

Leader Rahane guides India to series-levelling victory

The India cricket team scripted a historic win under skipper Ajinkya Rahane whose inspirational first-innings knock of 112 - helped the visitors take a healthy 131-run lead - backed up by an assuring and unbeaten 27 runs in the second innings as India levelled the series 1-1.

The captain’s innings helped Rahane become the first recipient of the prestigious Mullagh Medal after he was adjudged the Player of the match in the Boxing Day Test. 

The medal is named after Johnny Mullagh, the first aboriginal cricketer to have been inducted into the Australian cricket Hall of Fame. Cricket Australia had earlier announced that the best player of the Melbourne Test match will receive the Mullagh Medal.

Interestingly, this was Rahane’s 12th Test hundred, which made him the 10th visiting captain with a century at the iconic MCG. The 32-year-old also became just the second Indian captain to be on the list after legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

 

Visiting captains scoring century at MCG
Player	Runs	Innings	Start Date
Arthur Shrewsbury (ENG)	105*	2	21 March 1885
Andrew Stoddart (ENG)	173	3	29 December 1894
Peter May (ENG)	113	1	31 December 1958
Hanif Mohammad (PAK)	104	1	04 December 1964
Mike Denness (ENG)	188	2	08 February 1975
Clive Lloyd (WI)	102	3	26 December 1975
Alec Stewart (ENG)	107	1	26 December 1998
Sachin Tendulkar (IND)	116	2	26 December 1999
Mohammad Yousuf (PAK)	111	1	26 December 2004
Ajinkya Rahane (IND)	100*	2	26 December 2020

Mohammed Siraj impresses on Test debut

Pacer Mohammed Siraj became the first debutant for India in seven years to pick five wickets in a Test match. He finished the second Test match at the MCG with a haul of five wickets for 77 runs in 36.3 overs. This is the fifth-best figures for an Indian fast bowler on debut Test overseas.

Best match figures on Test debut for Indian pacer outside India

Player	Overs	Runs	Wickets	Opposition	Ground	Start Date
Syed Abid Ali	33.0	116	7	v Australia	Adelaide	23 December 1967
Praveen Kumar	34.0	80	6	v West Indies	Kingston	20 June 2011
Venkatesh Prasad	42.0	121	6	v England	Birmingham	06 June 1996
Mohammad Nissar	44.0	135	6	v England	Lord's	25 June 1932
Mohammed Siraj	36.3	77	5	v Australia	Melbourne	26 December 2020

India’s eight Test victory on Australian soil

Team India's eight-wicket win in the second Test at the MCG was only the eighth time in 50 Test matches that they have beaten Australia Down Under. Half of these wins -- four--have come at the MCG. India have previously won one in Perth (2008), one in Sydney (1978) and two in Adelaide (2003 and 2018).

India's win in Australia
Margin	Bat	Ground	Start Date
222 runs	1st	Melbourne	30 December 1977
Innings and 2 runs	2nd	Sydney	07 January 1978
59 runs	1st	Melbourne	07 February 1981
4 wickets	2nd	Adelaide	12 December 2003
72 runs	1st	Perth	16 January 2008
31 runs	1st	Adelaide	06 December 2018
137 runs	1st	Melbourne	26 December 2018
8 wickets	2nd	Melbourne	26 December 2020

Additionally, with the historic win, Melbourne Cricket Ground now becomes India’s most successful overseas venue in the longest format of the game.

On the other hand, Australia captain Tim Paine became the fastest wicket-keeper to reach 150 dismissals in Test cricket. The Australian skipper achieved the feat in just 33 Test matches, breaking the record of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, who had registered 150 dismissals in 34 matches.

Furthermore, pacer Mitchell Starc became the fifth-fastest Australian bowler to take 250 wickets in the longest format. The left-arm fast bowler took 59 Test matches to reach the milestone with Australia legend Dennis Lillee topping the chart having claimed 250 wickets in just 48 games.

Feature image courtesy: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Australia Test captain Tim Paine survived a controversial run-out decision on the first day of the second Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday.

The incident took place in the 55th over of the Australian innings when there was a big mix-up between young all-rounder Cameron Green and Paine. 

After playing the delivery from India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin towards mid-off, Green ran to take a single however, it was the Australian skipper who was struggling to reach the striker's end. A reasonable throw from pacer Umesh Yadav was collected well by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant who uprooted the stumps.

The leg-umpire went upstairs straight away after the Indian fielders appealed for the run-out. 

Meanwhile, third umpire Paul Wilson checked several replays and angles before he decided to give the benefit of doubt to the batsman and Paine got away with the controversial run-out decision. 

Paine survives by the skin of his teeth!

Live #AUSvIND: http://t.co/qwpaGhOixs pic.twitter.com/ZTOWat2cTn

�?cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2020

"There's no conclusive evidence to show the bat is on the wrong side of the line, so the bat looks like it could have a bit over the line. My decision is not out,�?Wilson was heard saying during the telecast before 'NOT OUT' was flashed on the big screen at the MCG.

Think India a little unlucky here.
No matter what technology does not alIeviate the PAINE for the team on the wrong side of the fence. # IndvAus #Cricket pic.twitter.com/kLkvONS86h

�?Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 26, 2020

India captain Ajinkya Rahane immediately expressed his displeasure with the decision and was spotted having a discussion with the on-field umpire. 

Even, Twitter wasn’t pleased with the call of the third umpire. Australia’s legendary spinner Shane Warne was left surprised with Wilson’s decision.

"Very surprised that Tim Paine survived that run out review! I had him on his bike and thought there was no part of his bat behind the line! Should have been out in my opinion," Warne tweeted after the incident.

Very surprised that Tim Paine survived that run out review ! I had him on his bike & thought there was no part of his bat behind the line ! Should have been out in my opinion

�?Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 26, 2020

Former Indian cricketers including Aakash Chopra, Wasim Jaffer and Rohan Gavaskar also slammed the controversial decision.

"That was OUT. Jason Holder was right. If players can be in a bio-bubble for soooo long...let umpires should be doing the same. #AusvInd," tweeted former India opener Aakash Chopra. 

That was OUT.
Jason Holder was right. If players can be in a bio-bubble for soooo long....let umpires should be doing the same. #AusvInd

�?Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 26, 2020

Third umpire watching the replay before pressing Not out. ‍♂�?#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/VUuee69Zfn

�?Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 26, 2020

#runout #INDvsAUS #BorderGavaskarTrophy

�?Rohan Gavaskar (@rohangava9) December 26, 2020

Several Indian cricket fans accused Wilson of being biased with his call as visuals showed that the bat wasn’t over the line when the bails were dislodged. 

#INDvsAUS why do Australians and cheating always synonymous!! According to the rules Paine is out because bat has to cross the line!! But I guess for Aussie blind umpire the rules are different for his countrymen! #shameful

�?Bala (@Bmdsuccess) December 26, 2020

Tim paine was clearly out
What a fraud third umpire

�?Joker जोकर (@saffronjoker) December 26, 2020

@ICC Idiotic decision by the third umpire. Paine was out. What is point of having technology?

�?Sivai (@srikirtan) December 26, 2020

Meanwhile, India have bowled out Australia for a paltry 195 and then ended the day at 36/1, trailing by 159 runs in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. 

Feature image courtesy: William WEST / AFP

Virat Kohli-less India will look to make a strong comeback against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, December 26.

The Indian cricket team suffered a humiliating defeat in the first day-night Test as the visitors were thrashed by eight wickets in Adelaide. 

After being in a dominant position for the first two days of the pink-ball Test, Kohli's men endured a batting debacle on the third day as they were bundled out for their lowest-ever Test score of 36 runs. 

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane will be leading Team India in absence of Kohli as he has returned to India to attend the birth of his first child. India will also miss the services of pacer Mohammad Shami, who has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after suffering a fracture on his bowling hand. The visitors will look to replace Shami with either Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini or left-arm pacer T Natarajan. 

Team India is also expected to ring in more changes for the second Test at the MCG. The team management may bring in KL Rahul and Shubman Gill as the replacements for batsmen Kohli and Prithvi Shaw, if the latter is axed. 

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and spinner Ravindra Jadeja will most likely make the cut in place of Wriddhiman Saha and Hanuma Vihari respectively. 

On the other hand, Australia’s opener David Warner and fast bowler Sean Abbott have been ruled out for the Boxing Day Test with their respective injuries.

Australia head coach Justin Langer has hinted that the hosts will remain unchanged for the second Test starting on Saturday.

"I'll be a pretty courageous man to change the playing XI this Test match after the last one. Unless something happens over the next few days and that can in the world we live but we are going with the same XI," Langer said in a virtual press-conference on Thursday.

Tim Paine-led Australia are leading 1-0 in the four-match Test series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.

India vs Australia Test full squads

India Test squad: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj.

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (captain), Cameron Green, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Marcus Harris, David Warner, Sean Abbott, Will Pucovski.

India vs Australia Boxing Day Test playing XI

India playing XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

Australia predicted playing XI: Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (captain), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Where to watch India vs Australia Boxing Day Test match live?

The India vs Australia Boxing Day Test will be telecast live at 5:00 AM IST on Sony SIX HD, Sony TEN 1 HD and Sony TEN 3 HD, along with the corresponding SD channels, from Saturday, December 26. Live streaming of Ind vs Aus 2nd Test will be available on the Sony LIV app.

SportsAdda will bring you India vs Australia live scores here.

For India vs Australia odds and betting, visit Sportsbet.io and look for India vs Australia Test Series.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / William West

Australian captain Tim Paine revealed he used to hate playing cricket and was left "crying on the couch" after losing confidence during an injury-plagued period of his career.

The 35-year-old has been widely praised after taking over as Test skipper in 2018 when Steve Smith was suspended over a brazen attempt under his watch to alter the ball with sandpaper in Cape Town.

But it has not been easy for Paine, who suffered a career-threatening finger injury in 2010 soon after being identified as Australia's first-choice wicketkeeper and making his international debut.

It required seven surgeries and two missed seasons, leading to a downward spiral with years of nerves, sleepless nights and frustration as he struggled to rediscover his confidence and form.

"I got to the stage where I was scared of getting hit, and I just had no idea what I was going to do," he told a new podcast series aimed at promoting well-being and good mental health.

"Instead of watching the ball I was thinking about getting hit or what might happen. When you're doing that the game becomes very difficult.

"I couldn't score runs for an extended period of time. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. I was so nervous before games. I was horrible to live with."

- 'Weird and painful' -

He said while he never lost his love of watching cricket "when it came to my part in the game I just hated it". 

"I would rather be anywhere else in the world because I was convinced I was going to fail. I don't think anyone knew that I was struggling at all, not my best mates, not even my partner. 

"I remember times when I would be sitting at home, she'd be at work, and I would literally be sitting on the couch, not bawling my eyes out but I'd be crying," he added.

"It was weird and really painful, it was hard to explain, but yeah I just thought I was letting so many people down."

Mental health has been thrust into the spotlight of Australian cricket in recent times with Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and young prospect Will Pucovski all taking time out to deal with personal struggles.

Paine said he turned the corner after confiding in a sports psychologist at Cricket Tasmania.

"It was the first time I actually told anyone what was going on, but I remember walking out of that room and instantly feeling better, that I had let someone in and that was the first step to dealing with, admitting I needed help," he said.

Paine finally won his place back in the Test team during the 2017-18 Ashes series, but the inner turmoil returned.

"It went from an amazing feeling ... and then I thought that's not good," he said.

"I'm going to have to bat in front of people and there are going to be millions of people watching. And for three or four days after I thought I don't want to do this. 

"Again, spoke to some people and got that stuff off my chest and I thought bugger it, I'll just make the most of it ... I'm going to enjoy it."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jeremy NG