SM
Real Madrid vs. Mallorca: 20 hrs 24 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Justin Langer defends Tim Paine, Steve Smith

:Headline: Justin Langer defends Tim Paine, Steve Smith: ID:430315: from db_amp
Australia's head coach discussed controversial events during the third Test against India in Sydney.

Australia head coach Justin Langer has come to the defence of Tim Paine and Steve Smith after the pair were criticised for their actions in the third Test against India.

Captain Paine was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for showing dissent to an umpire earlier in the Test and was part of a heated verbal exchange with India's Ravichandran Ashwin during play in Sydney.

And Smith was caught by the stump camera scratching at the crease line with his boot during Rishabh Pant's innings, although his intention has been the subject of much discussion.

“He has been outstanding as the Australian captain in everything he does”
- Justin Langer on Tim Paine

Langer, speaking at a virtual press conference on Wednesday, said his captain had "100 per cent support".

He added: "When you set a standard as high as he does and as we do, we understand we're going to get criticised when we fall below that. It's not what we are about.

"Tim Paine ... outstanding leader and will continue to be for some time to come yet.

"He didn't have his best day no doubt about that but after three years he has hardly put a hair out of place. He has been outstanding as the Australian captain in everything he does. He had a frustrating day."

Australia were in the driving seat going into the final day of the Test, but India stood firm to secure a memorable draw.

On Smith, Langer said anyone who suggested the batsman was doing anything untoward was "absolutely out of line".

He added: "That wicket was that flat and it was like concrete, you would need 15 inch spikes to make an indent on the crease, and he went nowhere near the crease.

"If anyone who knows Steve Smith ... he's a bit quirky and he does some weird (things) and we've all laughed about it.

"It's what Steve Smith does at the crease. He does it probably at most games, he's just thinking about the game."

amp_article__430315 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2021-01-13 08:09:29:
html db last update - 2021-01-13 08:09:29 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Tim Paine

Click here for more stories about Australia

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .