Mark Waugh and Dinesh Karthik’s friendly banter in the commentary during the second Test between India and Australia took an ugly turn when the former Australia player snapped at the wicket-keeper over a discussion around field placements.
The two had a slugfest in the first Test as well. Meanwhile, they were discussing when Waugh lost his cool and took out his anger on the Indian player.
India were 34/1 while chasing 115 when Mark expressed his displeasure at how Australia had placed its fielders against Cheteshwar Pujara.
Waugh – “I don’t understand the fielding against the struggling Cheteshwar Pujara. There is no silly mid-off and bat-pad off-side,” he said.
Karthik fired several questions at him.
Karthik – “I know you are not happy. What are you talking about?”
Waugh – “I want Pat Cummins to have a bat-pad off-side.”
As the next shot went through the same area, Mark got irritated.
Karthik – “If you had a point up on that ball, it would have gone for a boundary.”
Waugh – “It would have gone straight to the fielder in the circle.”
Karthik – “You don’t think he would have found the gap on that one? He had time.”
Waugh – “We think differently. However, I wanted a bat-pad-off-side because he has a big chance of squeezing one out there.”
Karthik – “But there is Rohit Sharma as well, and you are not talking about him?”
Waugh – “I am not talking about him, as he is a different player.”
Karthik – So you are satisfied with the field? There is nobody for Rohit. Would you do the same as a captain?”
Waugh – “I didn’t know this was a press conference.”
Karthik – “It is a bit of a banter.”
Waugh – “I am going to limit your questions per session. You won’t get more than one in one session.”
Sanjay Manjrekar, the other commentator, sensed the tension and intervened.
“Ok, I’m going to step in here and read out the score,” after which the topic was changed.