Watch: In a riveting game that had plenty of back and forth chatter between players, Tim Paine and Ravichandran Ashwin were involved in a heated war of words during the final day of the drawn Sydney Test.

Ashwin, who braved a barrage of bouncers to valiantly survive 128 deliveries for his 39, combined with Hanuma Vihari to steer India to an incredible draw, and their longest fourth innings (in terms of balls) outside Asia since 1980.

Along the way, there was a lively verbal exchange between India’s seniormost bowler and the Australia skipper. In the 122nd over of the innings, Ravichandran Ashwin pulled out just as Nathan Lyon entered his delivery stride, twice, possibly pointing out at the verbal jousting from behind. As he readied himself to face the next ball, wicketkeeper Tim Paine was heard on the stump mic, saying: “I can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash. Tell you what,” to which Ashwin retorted: “Just like I can’t wait for you to come to India, it’ll be your last series.”

The exchange continued. Paine responded with: “Maybe, you were selected here as well. At least my teammates like me, dickhead.”

Paine’s relentless attempt to rile up Ashwin didn’t end. He followed it with: “How many IPL teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them?”

Just a few overs later, Paine was in the thick of the action again, this time for a dropped catch, his third of the day, grassing an edge off Hanuma Vihari which could have been a vital opportunity for Australia.

A clip of the Ashwin-Paine exchange gained considerable traction on social media; among others, Stuart Broad replied to tweet with: “This is all a part of the game. The Test match battle but Painey won’t get away with that Language with the Laws above.”

Watch the incident here:

Paine; Can't wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash

Ashwin; Can't wait to get you to India, it'll be your last series

Paine; At least my teammates like me, dickhead pic.twitter.com/1XBTmAiAue

— Nick Toovey (@OneTooves) January 11, 2021

Paine; How many IPL teams wanted you when you asked every single one of them?

I *think* Paine then launches into a bad Indian accent?!? pic.twitter.com/giIBLqeraK

— Nick Toovey (@OneTooves) January 11, 2021