Picture Credit: AFP
The social media on Thursday was full of reactions on Australia Test captain Tim Paine's controversial "sideshows" remark. Notably, Paine had blamed Australia’s historic loss in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy on India’s sideshows suggesting that the Indian side distracted them and diverted their attention to things that don't matter. He cited unconfirmed reports of India's reluctance to travel to Brisbane for the final Test as an example. However, not only did India travel to Gabba but even defeated them at their impregnable fortress for the first time in 32 years.
In no time, his accusation against India went viral on the internet and fans started taking a jibe at the Aussie captain. Some even urged Paine to "stop making excuse." However, a day after being on the receiving end of some more nasty comments from the massive Indian fans, Paine has now offered a clarification to his sideshow comment.
India outplayed us and they deserved to win: Tim Paine
"I did say that they simply outplayed us and that they deserved to win but they left that one out. The Indian fans have been slamming me on social media. They’re saying that I’m making excuses again but it’s all good fun," Paine said on the "Gilly and Goss podcast," in interaction with veteran Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist.
"I love the Indian fans. I don’t mind getting a bit of stick, particularly when you deserve it. They ripped me off when I dropped those catches, I thought that was totally fair. Look, I love the passion, I love how much they love cricket. I love how much they interact and for some people, it is a positive interaction, but most of the time they are into me. But I don’t mind that," he added.