Sunil Gavaskar, India A, BCCI
Sunil Gavaskar. Credits - BCCI Twitter

Former Indian opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar is amongst the one to come in criticism of Tim Paine after he endured a forgettable final day of the third Test between Australia and India in Sydney. Australian captain Tim Paine was on the receiving end on the fifth day as he not only indulged in banter with the tourists but dropped three crucial catches that helped India eke out a draw. Sunil Gavaskar has called for the keeper-batsman’s removal as captain, citing his behaviour.

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While Tim Paine remains one of the best glovemen in Test cricket, the fifth day of the third Test did not prove productive. Earlier in the day, the veteran keeper twice dropped Rishabh Pant, who hammered 97 runs aggressively. Later in the day, Paine failed to hold on to a reasonably simple catch off Hanuma Vihari, who faced 130 deliveries. Hanuma Vihari’s wicket was the last genuine chance that Australia had to go over the line in Sydney.

Tim Paine, Ravichandran Ashwin
Tim Paine, Ravichandran Ashwin. Credits: Twitter

To add to that, Tim Paine also indulged with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in a banter and used some obscene words against umpire Paul Wilson out of frustration. Thus, former cricketers have condemned the 37-year old for backing up his talks behind the stumps with performances. The likes of Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all created chances; unfortunately, luck was not on their side.

Sunil Gavaskar wants Cricket Australia to sack Tim Paine as captain after the series, citing that his behaviour is shambolic as a leader. The 71-year old feels that Paine should focus less on talking and more on holding on to catches and lead his side better.

Below is Boria Majumdar’s tweet revealing Sunil Gavaskar’s words: