Sunil Gavaskar takes a cunning dig at Glenn Maxwell

On the fourth Day of the Ranchi Test, Australia’s main bowlers were seen struggling to break the powerful stand between Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddiman Saha. Thereafter, captain Steve Smith’s decision to use his part-timers, most notably off-spinner Glenn Maxwell had the spectators puzzled.

But former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar, who now is a commentator for the official broadcasters, revealed the reason why Maxwell was not used in tandem on Day 4. The former batsman revealed the reason when fellow commentators were vocal about their surprise to see someone like Maxwell being under-bowled.

Gavaskar said, ”I think Sanjay (Manjrekar) you forget that yesterday after he (Maxwell) dived and he fell, he damaged his shoulder. So he might not be fit for bowling. Sanjay Manjrekar promptly continued. ”Could be, could be.”

Gavaskar clearly tried to take a dig at Maxwell after the incident when Maxwell imitated Virat Kohli’s injury on the third day. The 28-year-old was left clutching his right shoulder in pain after he dived at the mid-on area to save a boundary and later scans revealed he had a strain which refrained Kohli from taking to the field on Day 2.

Kohli mocked by the Australian all-rounder Maxwell when he came out to bat on the 4th day of the match. Visuals showed Maxwell imitating the Indian batsman’s action by clutching his right shoulder to save a boundary.

This promoted VVS Laxman to voice his opinion. “That’s very disappointing. You can sledge it’s fine, but not mocking someone who is injured, in pain,” Laxman said.

He also brought up example of Phil Hughes untimely death after being hit by a bouncer during a domestic match in Australia. “Especially after what happened to Phil Hughes, everyone is concerned when someone gets injured.”