Melbourne: India vs. Australia, Boxing Day Test Tim Paine took to talking and chatting behind the stumps to distract Rohit Sharma
The Australian captain challenged Rohit Sharma to hit a six and said he would switch to Mumbai if that happens. Paine was been employing this strategy at Perth as well when Murali Vijay was on the crease, he told Vijay that he was sure that he did not like Virat Kohli, even though he was the captain. Rohit Sharma just did not respond to Paine. Paine was also whistling from behind the stumps.
India is in the driver's seat currently, thanks to a 170-run stand between Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.
Rohit is not a regular in the Indian Test team. After playing in the Adelaide Test, Rohit was dropped in Perth but was back in the team at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test.
Then he was whistling.
Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara has hardly put a foot wrong during his incredible knock in India s ongoing tour to Australia. Pujara displayed Zen-like focus, exuded brilliant confidence and showed unmatched determination as he slammed his 17th Test hundred in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday. With this knock, Pujara also completed the milestone of scoring 2000 Test runs away from home.
At the time of filing the copy, Rohit was at the wicket on 14 and giving him company at the other end was Ajinkya Rahane on 31. India was 349/4 and they will be looking to reach the 400-run mark to feel safe.
Paine picked up the strategy of talking to Finch about the Indian Premier League (IPL) and who he supports there in order to distract Rohit Sharma from behind.
"It's a bit of a tossup between Royals and Indians for me. But if Rohit hits a six now, I'm changing to Mumbai," Paine told Finch, which was caught up by the stump mic.
Paine further joked with Finch that he had played for almost all the teams in the IPL and Finch told him who he has not played for
"You've nearly played for every team now," Paine said. "Except Bangalore," said Finch.
"Except Bangalore?" Paine questioned.