Pant brutally sledges 'temporary captain' Paine

Indian keeper Rishabh Pant has returned serve at “temporary captain” Tim Paine after the Aussie skipper’s light-hearted banter in the third Test.

That “whooshing” sound Paine heard when he was batting on day four at the MCG might have been a Mohammed Shami delivery going through to the ‘keeper.

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Or perhaps it was the blistering return of sledge from Pant rocketing past.

The day after Paine taunted Pant with references to the Indian one-day squad and babysitting, it was the Australian captain’s turn to be on the receiving end.

Paine came to the crease with his side in deep trouble once again at 5-135, needing a miracle to save the third Test.

Pant seized on the fact that Paine is only captain because of Steve Smith’s ban and the stump microphone picked up his greeting.

“We’ve got a special case today, come on boys. Special appearance today boy. Come on. No responsibility there from captain,” Pant said.

“Running away always, always running away. Too difficult, too difficult. We’ve got a special guest today.

“Have you heard of a temporary captain ever? Have you heard of it? Have you heard of anything like a temporary captain ever? You don’t need anything to get him out, boy.

“He loves to talk. That’s the only thing he can do boy. Only talking, talking.”

Paine and Pant have entertained during the Test series with their chat while ‘keeping and neither are shrinking violets.

On Friday, Paine had addressed Pant’s one-day omission while the Indian was batting and wondered if he would like to play for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL.

“We need a batter … fancy that Pant, extend your little Aussie holiday,” Paine said.

“Beautiful town Hobart, too – get you a nice apartment on the water front.

“Have him over for dinner. Can you babysit? (Can I) take the wife to the movies one night, you can look after the kids?”