5 Controversial India-Australia clashes that can never be forgotten

The Indian tour of Australia is all set to commence from 21st November when the two teams meet for the first T20 International. The Indian Team is scheduled to play three T20Is, followed by a four Test Match Series and a three matches ODI series.

The entire Indian squad has already reached Australia and are prepping up for the much-anticipated clash. Aussies, known for their aggressive style of play, have already started playing mind games by making bold statements in the press conferences. However, the Indian team management also seems confident of their preparations down under.

Before the high voltage clash, let us have a look at five controversial India- Australia clashes that can never be forgotten.

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#1 Monkeygate Scandal

The Monkeygate controversy took India and Australia Cricket by storm

The most controversial and talked about the match between India and Australia was played in 2008. The Indian team had gone to Australia to play a Test series. The Sydney Test in this series came to be remembered more for the drama that surrounded it rather than the on-field play itself. Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds and veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had a terrible mix up in the middle.

Symonds accused Harbhajan of passing of a racial comment. He suggested that Harbhajan had called him “monkey”. This resulted in Level 3 charge against Harbhajan and he was banned for three Tests as well as 50% of his match fees was deducted as penalty.

The Indian Cricket Team and Management were highly unimpressed with this decision. Later, on the basis of Sachin Tendulkar’s observation, Harbhajan was freed from the charges and the ban was lifted.

The incident created immense tension between both the teams and that only reflected in the Test matches to follow. Later, Symonds had to take back his acquisition which raised further eyebrows.

However, now both the teams have moved on from the incident and luckily for sports, India- Australia rivalry on the cricket field is only viewed as a game of Cricket between two top quality sides and fans and experts expect a riveting encounter each time the two teams lock horns.

#2 "Speak English"

ICC World Twenty20 India 2016: India v Australia

In 2014-15, the Indian tour of Australia produced yet another game which is alive in the memories of cricket fans. This time India were playing an ODI game against the Aussies. In this game, Indian opener Rohit Sharma and the Aussie batsman David Warner had a verbal against each other.

The incident happened when Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina were out there in the middle while Warner was fielding in the inner circle. Rohit played a stroke that went straight to Warner. Warner threw the ball to the stumps but since there was no one backing up, Rohit was able to run across to the other end and successfully add a run to the total.

This is what hurt Warner as he came running to have a word with Sharma. However, Rohit responded in Hindi and that’s what aggravated Warner further as he kept on shouting “Speak English”. His behavior was found to be “inappropriate” and hence he was penalized 50% of his match fees.

#3 Kohli’s chit chat

Virat Kohli and Steven Smith have been involved in a number of start-ups

It was January 2016, when the Indians were playing a T20I against the Aussies at the Adelaide Oval. The Aussies were all set to begin the second innings of the match after India had batted first and put a reasonable total on the board. This was an Indian side which comprised of the likes of the then largely inexperienced Hardik Pandya.

Steven Smith found the weak link in the bowling attack when Pandya came into bowl and targeted him early on his innings, playing him for big shots at will. Post this there was a verbal spat between Virat Kohli and Steven Smith.

However, shortly after showing positive intent, Smith was dismissed. As part of celebrations, Virat signaled him the “chit chat” signal but Smith didn’t have a reply this time around and went back to the pavilion quietly.

#4 Gambhir’s elbow push

Watson is elbowed by Gambhir and was suspended for a Test Match as a penalty

In 2008, the Australian team had come down to India for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. During the series, the fight between Gautam Gambhir and Shane Watson is one thing that can never be forgotten.

In this particular incident Watson was bowling to Gambhir and after playing the stroke Gambhir ran to the non-striker’s end for a run. Sensing an opportunity for a second run Gambhir was running back when he pushed Watson with his elbow while running back for the second run.

Although the incident was reported as a mere “accident” by Gautam Gambhir, he had to sit out for a game as a penalty. The one match ban handed over by ICC was viewed as too harsh a punishment by cricket experts.

However, both the cricketers moved on from that incident and now share a friendly relationship.

#5 Slater-Tendulkar-Dravid controversy

Slater, Tendulkar

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Dravid during the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Series match

In the 2001 Border-Gavaskar series, yet another controversy emerged. In the first game of the series itself, there was a verbal spat between Rahul Dravid and Michael Slater. Although Slater had caught Dravid out, the third umpire had decided to give the benefit of the doubt to the batsman and Dravid continued to bat.

Angry at the umpire’s decision Slater’s first had a go at Dravid and then ran and said something to the non-striker Tendulkar. However, Slater had later apologized for his immature behavior to both the players and evaded a major controversy.

The India-Australia clashes are more often than not high-intensity games and it is only possible that at the heat of the moment something like this happens. Although, it shouldn't be at the cost of the spirit of the sports and sportsmanship.

Hoping to see matches in the upcoming tour that are remembered for the quality of cricket and nothing more.