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'Poor form': Josh Hazlewood slammed over Pujara sledge

Cheteshwar Pujara shrugged off a sledge from Josh Hazlewood moments after being hit on the helmet by a short ball. Pictures: Getty Images
Cheteshwar Pujara shrugged off a sledge from Josh Hazlewood moments after being hit on the helmet by a short ball. Pictures: Getty Images

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is coming under fire after directing a sledge at Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara moments after felling him with a short ball.

Part of Pujara’s helmet was knocked loose when he misjudged a delivery from Hazelwood, which reared up and hit the grille of his helmet.

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Already frustrated by Pujara’s ability to stonewall the Australian bowling attack, Hazlewood commented ‘see that one?’ to the Indian opener following the blow.

That sledge, with Australia needing seven wickets on the final day of play to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy, wasn’t quite on the money for many watching the thrilling final day.

Former AFL player Xavier Ellis criticised Hazlewood for the comment, suggesting it wasn’t a good look to be sledging his opponent instead of checking to see if he was alright.

“‘See that one’ to Pujara wasn’t really Hazlewood showing great concern for the wellbeing of the opponent post brutal bouncer,” Ellis said.

“Commentary may have overstated the concern of the Australians.”

Pujara has blunted almost every effort from the home side to remove him, adding to his reputation as a long-haul Test batsman, much to the chagrin of the Australian attack.

While on commentary for Fox Sports, former Australian quick pointed out Pujara had been struck by the ball no less than 10 times while on 39 runs.

Pujara was eventually dismissed for 56 from 211 balls.

There was plenty more criticism of Hazlewood’s sledge on social media.

Lyon tactics against India earn Warne ire

A fired-up Shane Warne has been left stumped by the negative tactics employed when Nathan Lyon's bowling as the Australia spinner's long wait for 400 Test wickets continues.

Australia began play on Tuesday at the Gabba seeking 10 wickets for a Test and series victory over India, who need 328 for victory but would retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a draw.

Stuck on 397 scalps in his 100th Test, Lyon has taken seven wickets for the series entering the final day of the four-Test showdown.

The offspinner is averaging more than 60 with a strike rate edging towards 140, which is higher than in any previous home Test series.

Nathan Lyon reacts during day five of the 4th Test in the series between Australia and India at The Gabba. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Nathan Lyon reacts during day five of the 4th Test in the series between Australia and India at The Gabba. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

Lyon was unlucky not to nab Cheteshwar Pujara's wicket in his first over on Tuesday, Australia retaining their review of an unsuccessful LBW appeal that had slightly less than half the ball hitting the top of leg stump.

But it was otherwise frustrating viewing for Warne, who couldn't understand why the there wasn't a fielder under Pujara's nose on the off-side.

He said with the security blanket of a Gabba-record run chase ahead of India that Australia's field settings had been too negative.

"I'm just staggered ... just cannot believe it," Warne said on Fox Sports.

"I'm in shock; it doesn't make any sense whatsoever.”

With AAP

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