The final day of the third Test between Australia and India saw gripping action as India batted firmly against a relentless Aussie bowling attack. However, as Indian batsmen frustrated the bowlers, the fielders lost their composure and tried innovative tricks to break the attention of Indian batters. Mathew Wade used once such a gimmick to grab R Ashwin’s attention.
The incident happened when R Ashwin pushed a delivery to M Wade who was fielding at forward short-leg. The ball hit Wade’s leg. The Australian cricketer then pretended to run towards Ashwin. And he then reacted as if he is hurt by the ball and is in pain. He tried to make quick body movements to unsettle R Ashwin’s concentration. Earlier in the innings, Ashwin was hit in the ribcage by a bouncer and was seen in pain. Wade tried to mock Ashwin with his act.
You can watch Matthew’s Wade weird action here:
Wade’s weird tactics and mocking had no effect on Ashwin as he continued to bat with grit and determination. The Indian right-hand batsman along with Hanuma Vihari batted for 42.4 overs and secured a draw in a Test which at the beginning of the fifth day looked set for an Australian win.
Heroics from Rishabh Pant and composed performance from C Pujara gave India hopes in the first session. However, both of them were dismissed in quick succession. With R Jadeja injured and a long tail to follow, India looked destined for a defeat.
But then R Ashwin who batted at number 7, stood firm and did a blockathon with H Vihari and saved the Test for India. R Ashwin faced 128 balls and scored 39 runs and H Vihari made 23 runs from 161 balls.