5 of the worst fights from past India-Australia clashes

#2 Michael Slater’s abuse

Michael Slater sledging Dravid during a Test match in 2001

Australia, under the leadership of Steve Waugh, was cantering through a purple patch by winning 15 Tests in a row. Apart from pinning opponents down, the Aussies never pulled back from getting into the nerves of their rivals by sledging them on the field.

It was the first Test of the historic series between India and Australia in 2001 at Mumbai and Australia added one more win to their winning streak by humbling India by 10 wickets to take the lead.

Nonetheless, quite characteristic of an India versus Australia clash, an on-field scuffle didn’t elude the contest. Rahul Dravid mistimed a pull shot that went into the hands of Michael Slater which was followed by an unpleasant tiff. Dravid was doubtful about the catch and refused to walk off, after which he was abused by Michael Slater.

Slater was later fined for this act and he had to apologise to Dravid for the exchange of hot words. For the game’s good, they patched up after the game.