R Ashwin who was involved in a controversy with Pune Warriors batsman Steve Smith said that the moment he took the bails off the Aussie all-rounder started abusing him, reports The Hindu.
Ashwin said that he was well within his rights and his attempt to run the batsman out at the non-striker end did not clash with the spirit of the game. Ashwin said that it is a rule that a batsman can be out this way and without knowing the rules Smith started to abuse him. The off-spinner said that was the reason why he hurled it back.
The incident took place in the 15th over in the Warriors’ chase, Ashwin stopped in his run-up and took the bails off, Steve Smith at that point was well inside the crease and was in no danger. After the over ended the two players got involved in an angry verbal exchange, reports The Times of India.