Sharma directs vulgar sledge at Jadeja
Captains Virat Kohli and Tim Paine were not the only ones confronting on the pitch as two of India’s players had a go at each other as well during the second Test at Perth.
The pressure of playing a thoroughly adrenaline-pumping Test match played its part during the second Test between Australia and India as Ishant Sharma had a vulgar sledge at teammate Ravindra Jadeja.
The two men raged in their native Hindi but this was later translated into English. The footage was captured by host free-to-air broadcaster Channel Seven, but it did not broadcast the audio, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The incident unfolded when Sharma said to Jadeja: "Don't wave your hand at me. If you want something, come to me and say it."
Jadeja had apparently responded: "Why are you talking so much?
Sharma replied: "Don't wave your hand at me. Don't take out your anger on me. I'll take your anger and shove it. I will shove your anger up your ***."
Jadeja's next comment was not picked up by stump microphones but Sharma replied: "Don't tell me also. Don't talk bullshit."
Much attention centred on exchanges between Kohli and Paine on the third and fourth days, which were picked up by stump microphones and prompted umpire Chris Gaffaney to warn the pair to "play the game".
But Kohli, one of the most animated players in world cricket, said there was nothing to worry about in what was said during the match.
"As long as there is no swearing the line doesn't get crossed," he said. "And no personal attacks."
The Indian captain described the exchanges as competitive "banter".
"Stump mics and cameras... these things are totally irrelevant," he said. "It stays on the field."
Both captains played down the incident but the in-fighting between the India players marred the visitor’s second Test on the tour.
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