Did Steve Smith NOT cheat? Rohan Gavaskar blames fans for exaggerating SCG controversy

re has been a lot of outcry over a recent incident where former Australian captain Steve Smith was caught on stump camera while scratching up Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's guard during drinks break in first session of play on Day 5 of  India vs Australia 3rd Test. After incident came to light, several reactions poured in as fans, as well as, former cricketers slammed Smith for his antics. It is expected that controversy could linger even in upcoming Brisbane Test.

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Rohan Gavaskar sees thing wrong in Steve Smith scratching Rishabh Pant's guard

However, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Rohan Gavaskar reckoned that Indian fans have blown  matter out of proportion. 44-year old took to Twitter and stated that as a batsman he would look down at his guard before every ball where he needs to take his stance. He ded that if for some reason, guard isn't re, he would mark it again. Gavaskar opined that it isn't a big deal as re are batsmen who take guard every over. In end, commentator asked fans to t let 'n-issue' take attention away from a fabulous draw.

Rohan Gavaskar's tweet was met with a lot of mixed responses. While some fans agreed with Gavaskar's opinion that matter was blown out of proportion, ors slammed Smith for his antics. Here's how people reacted to 'Smith cheating India' claims. His comments echo far Sunil Gavaskar's views too, who recently claimed that much should t be drawn from issue as it was a harmless act from Smith.

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Justin Langer terms 'Steve Smith cheating India' claims as 'ludicrous'

After 'Steve Smith cheating India' incident was blown out of proportion, Australian captain Tim Paine and Smith himself came forward and issued a clarification over matter. Australian he coach Justin Langer has defended Smith and termed some of reaction to 'Steve Smith cheating India' claims as ludicrous and also lauded premier batsman for way he has carried himself since returning to side from ban imposed on him for Sandpapergate scandal.

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Langer said that he just cant believe some of rubbish he res. According to Langer, anyone who suggests for one millisecond that Smith was trying to do something untoward, y're way out of line. Defending Smith's actions, Langer stated that SCG wicket was flat just like concrete that you need 15-inch spikes to make an indent on crease and ded that 31-year old went where near crease.

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Langer furr said that  reaction that incident received was 'rubbish'. Australian he coach went on to heap praise on Smith saying that in last couple of years since he's been back, he's been exemplary on and off field. Langer reiterated that Smith was abused to limit in England but he just kept avoiding those with smiles and let his bat do talking.

India vs Australia 4th Test 2021 live streaming details

Meanwhile, series is still poised at 1-1 with fourth and final Test to be played from January 15-19. For India vs Australia 4th Test live telecast in India, fans can tune into  Sony Pictures Sports Network (SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 3 and SONY SIX) at 5:30 AM (IST) on Friday, January 15. For India vs Australia live scores, one can visit official website and social media ps of BCCI and Cricket Australia.  live streaming of India vs Australia 4th Test 2021 will be available for fans on  SonyLIV app.

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SOURCE: ROHAN GAVASKAR TWITTER & CRICKET.CO.AU