AUS vs IND: Tim Paine Slammed For Poking Ravichandran Ashwin In Drawn Sydney Game

Former Test players condemned Australia skipper Tim Paine for sledging India's Ravichandran Ashwin from behind the stumps as the tourists hung on a draw in Sydney on Monday. Stump microphones pick

Ashwin stood firm with Hanuma Vihari as the duo took India to safety at the close of play with their 62-run stand in 269 balls. India finished on 334-5 chasing a daunting target of 407.

India captain Ajinkya Rahane said he was not too concerned with the chatting in the middle "as long as it stays on the field".

In another bit of controversy, videos suggested that Steve Smith scuffed up the batsman's guard at the crease.

A view of the stump camera showed Smith shadow batting and then apparently rubbing off the pitch marks - made by the batsmen to judge where they stand - with his boots.

But it was not clear whether Smith's act was intentional.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant then took fresh guard as he went on to hit an attacking 97.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag said the Aussies tried "all tricks" but to no avail.