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4th Test: Cheatgate heat returns in cool Dharamsala

Updated on: 28 March,2017 07:44 AM IST  | 
Ashwin Ferro | ashwin.ferro@mid-day.com

Days after India captain Virat Kohli stopped short of calling his Australian counterpart Steven Smith a cheat after the latter referred to the dressing room for a DRS call (which is against the rules), the word returned to haunt the Indians yesterday

4th Test: Cheatgate heat returns in cool Dharamsala

Matthew Wade, Umpire Ian Gould, Indian players

Umpire Ian Gould tries to calm things down after an altercation between Indian players and Aussie batsman Matthew Wade. Pic/PTIUmpire Ian Gould tries to calm things down after an altercation between Indian players and Aussie batsman Matthew Wade. Pic/PTI


Days after India captain Virat Kohli stopped short of calling his Australian counterpart Steven Smith a cheat after the latter referred to the dressing room for a DRS call (which is against the rules), the word returned to haunt the Indians yesterday.


Murali Vijay wrongly claimed a close catch of Josh Hazlewood off R Ashwin and the Indian team almost walked out of the ground thinking the Australian innings had ended. Video replays, however, showed the ball had touched the ground first and the players were promptly called back for play to resume. Moments later, a video went viral showing Smith near the team dressing room, reacting to Vijay's catch claim with a disgusted "f***ng cheat" remark. Australia batting coach Graeme Hickpromptly doused the fire at the post-day's play press conference. "We have our own little pods watching it and the ball definitely touched the ground, but as for that (Smith incident), I haven't seen that part of it, so it would be unfair of me to comment," said the former England batsman.


Jadeja has a funny bone
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has a sweet sense of humour which was on display at yesterday's press conference. When asked about a heated exchange while batting in the middle, between him and Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, Jadeja replied: "Oh, that was nothing. I just told him 'Once you lose and are free, we can sit together and have dinner'. " The press corps cracked up. Then, when asked what he's doing differently to pick up wickets so regularly, the World's No. 1 Test bowler simply said: "Nothing much. This shoulder (pointing towards his left arm) is pretty much on auto mode, so I just come in there and bowl, that's it." Again, there were laughs.

Ex-Aus spinner Ray BrightEx-Aus spinner Ray Bright

On the Bright side
The India vs Australia series has seen a lot of heat both on and off the field. But former Australia left-arm spinner and 1986 Tied Test hero, Ray Bright, who is here with a tour group from Down Under, summed it up perfectly when he said he'd rather have it this way than any other.

"It's been a gripping series — great contest between bat and ball. As for the heat, not just me, but everyone around the world would not have it any other way. This is Test cricket at its best and every single spectator has thoroughly enjoyed it," Bright (62) told mid-day.

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