Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur responded to critical remarks made by former Australian captain Tim Paine after India’s stunning three-wicket victory over Australia in the final Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 at the Gabba in Brisbane. The series was 1-1 heading into the final Test. India managed to breach Australia’s fortress with their emphatic triumph.
Several months later, Paine, who was Australia’s Test captain at the time, criticized India, claiming they excelled at distracting the opposition, which caused his team to lose focus.
Amid reports of strict bio-bubble protocols in Brisbane, India reportedly expressed a preference to remain in Sydney and play the final Test match at the SCG.
At an event discussing the Gabba Test, Thakur criticized the Australians’ poor treatment of the Indian team during the match. He also dismissed Paine’s comments as an attempt to shield himself from media scrutiny.
“Tim Paine’s interview was nothing but lies. He was clearly trying to save himself by fabricating stories and covering up the fact that the Australian team did not put any real pressure on the Indian team and gave the Indian team whatever they wanted,” he said.
He added, “During Virat’s absence, our coach Ravi Shastri and captain Ajinkya Rahane were constantly arguing with the Australian cricket board regarding the facilities.”
“The tour was plagued by numerous injuries. Even in the final game, both Saini and Natarajan sustained injuries. In the second innings, Siraj and I bowled 9 consecutive overs. After the win, we didn’t even glance at the Australians, simply telling them to return to their dressing room,” he concluded.
In the series-deciding Test at the Gabba, Thakur delivered a standout performance. He scored a crucial 67 runs in the first innings and took seven wickets over the course of the match. Thakur’s 123-run seventh-wicket stand with Sundar proved pivotal, helping India rally from a precarious 186/6 to post 336 – just 33 runs shy of Australia’s first-innings total.
The Gabba Test marked Tim Paine’s final appearance for Australia across all formats.