Rishabh Pant rattles Aussies? Steve Smith ANGERS Indian fans, accused of cheating: WATCH

Australian team, who is rewned for its fierce attitude and competitive nature, can go to any extent to win a game and same was displayed by m on Day 5 of  India vs Australia 3rd Test.  hosts seemed to get desperate in ir quest to secure a win at SCG which is why it is believed by many that former Australian captain Steve Smith resorted to a cheap tactic.

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Fans slam Steve Smith for resorting to cheap tactics

On Monday, Smith was caught on stump camera while intentionally scratching up Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant's guard during drinks break in first session. southpaw was taking Australian bowlers to cleaners and was successfully able to pile pressure back on m which is why Australian tried to distract Indian stumper. Pant had to mark his guard all over again after resuming batting post drinks break.

video of same went viral on social media in time. Twitterati was left fuming after Smith used what is widely being considered as a cheap trick to put off Pant. Several reactions poured in as fans slammed Australian team and ir negative tactics. A certain sections of fans also drew comparisons with infamous 'Sandpapergate scandal' in which Smith was banned from all forms of cricket for a year while also being banished from captaincy. Here's a look at a few reactions.

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Meanwhile, Pant was unfazed by Smith's cheap tactics as he continued with his brilliant strokeplay. dynamic batsman ended up scoring a scintillating 97 and helped India put pressure back on Australia. Pant was just three runs away from a stunning century and that's when he decided to reach landmark with a big shot which brought about his downfall for 97.  Rishabh Pant 97 kck was laced with twelve fours and three towering sixes.

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Here are highlights of Rishabh Pant's glorious 97

India vs Australia live score update

Meanwhile, after Pant departed for a well-made 97, all eyes were on Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari who had around 45 overs to survive. However, Pujara was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 77, leaving two new batsmen at crease in form of Vihari and R Ashwin. At time of publishing this article, India's scoreboard read 281/5 after 97.4 overs. Vihari is batting on 4 whereas Ashwin is unbeaten on 8. India need ar 126 runs to win in 34 overs whereas Australia need five wickets to take lead in series.

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SOURCE: AP/ TWITTER