Nambour News
Australia coach Justin Langer defends Steve Smith, Tim Paine after third Test controversies
Australia coach Justin Langer has defended his players over “rubbish” criticism following the drawn third Test against India.
Key points:
- Tim Paine faced criticism for his behaviour in the drawn third Test, which he has since apologised for
- Steve Smith was also criticised for appearing to scuff away Rishabh Pant’s footmarks
- Justin Langer said criticism of his players was “rubbish” and “way out of line”
Captain Tim Paine and former skipper Steve Smith were both in the firing line as a result of their on-field antics on the final day of a dramatic third Test as a battered and bruised Indian side salvaged a draw at the SCG.
Paine was heavily criticised after some aggressive sledging towards Indian veteran Ravichandaran Ashwin, whose dogged 39…
