Matthew Wade came in for heavy criticism after hitting India batsman Hanuma Vihari with a throw late on day five at the SCG.

The incident occurred in the 115th over of India’s epic rearguard. Vihari, who was six not out having just crossed 100 balls faced in his innings. His slow scoring rate was at least partly down to his having sustained a hamstring injury running a quick single early in his knock.

However, despite runs being largely irrelevant and Vihari having barely looked like taking a run, Wade still fancied his chances of catching the batsman short after he blocked won down into the pitch.

Fielding in close, Wade lobbed the ball towards the stumps, hitting Vihari. The Indian batsman stayed as unruffled as he had been throughout his innings.

And Wade throwing ball on vihari. pic.twitter.com/YYRYo5Y7AW

— RAJAN YADAV (@coachsirrules) January 11, 2021

Many saw Wade’s actions as attempts at intimidation, and the 33-year-old came under fire on social media, especially after a later throw from slip hit Vihari again.

Mathew Wade's injury attempt at Vihari by throwing the ball at his legs.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/zJU9ciWSmM

— Cheeru (@sobermonk) January 11, 2021

Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out or trying to hit him , what is going on

— kohli (@KingKolly2) January 11, 2021

Don't forget Mathew Wade hitting Vihari to increase his hamstring injury pain

— ShaikFazal (@Shaikfazal11) January 11, 2021

Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2021