Tim Paine was at it again as he tried to get under the skin of India batsman Rohit Sharma towards the end of the second session’s play on the second day of the third Test here on Thursday.
The Australian captain has been quite chirpy on the field since the second Test at Perth, indulging himself in bantering and sledging, particularly targeting the Indian skipper Virat Kohli. As Australia looked for more breakthroughs after dismissing Kohli and Pujara, who shared 170-run stand, in quick succession, Paine resorted to some good-natured bantering with Rohit that even the Mumbai batsman would have found funny.
With Nathan Lyon operating, Paine, standing up to the stumps, told Aaron Finch, who was standing at silly point, “it’s always been a toss-up for me between the Royals and the Indians for who I support."
Paine was referring to Indian Premier League teams Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit, and Rajasthan Royals which is helmed by Ajinkya Rahane, who was at the non-striker’s end.
"If Rohit hits a six here, I'm changing to Mumbai," Paine then went on to add that was caught by stump mic.
Paine was also heard asking Finch if the Australian opener has played for nearly all the IPL teams.
“Except Bangalore,” Finch replied.
“Bangalore,” then asked Paine cheekily, in an indirect reference to Kohli who leads the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
