AUS v IND: Rohit Sharma unmoved by Paine's 'IPL sledge', says Finch

The exciting third Test between Indian and Australia witnessed some banter from the Aussies on day 2 of play as visitors looked quite patient, as throughout the match so far. Home skipper, Tim Paine got into the verbal action again, though not with Virat Kohli but Rohit Sharma this time.

Unlike the previous occasion, the words were more meant for fun and were enjoyed by everyone listening. In the act, Paine was accompanied by the senior campaigner, Aaron Finch who later revealed that Rohit Sharma didn't react to it.

The Australian captain used the Indian Premier League (IPL) to excite Rohit who likes to go after the bowlers, which usually costs him in the Test cricket.

"It's a bit of a toss up between Royals and Indians for me. But if Rohit hits a six now, I'm changing to Mumbai," Paine told Finch, which was caught up by the stump mic.

Meanwhile, at the post-day presentation, Aaron Finch cleared that Rohit was unmoved with this banter.

"We were just trying to have a bit of banter with Rohit. I asked Rohit if we brought mid-on up if he’d take us on and go into IPL mode and he didn’t take the bait, unfortunately,” Finch who looked a bit uncomfortable at the crease earlier in the day said.

Aaron Finch discusses the IPL banter with skipper Tim Paine when Rohit Sharma was out in the middle #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/wcuElzaHHE

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2018

Rohit hasn't been in best of his touches in red-ball cricket though with this unbeaten half-century at the MCG, he would have gained a lot of confidence.

The series stands level at 1-1 as both the teams are looking to take lead by finishing on the top in the third Test. So far, India have seemed in control but it would be interesting how their bowlers come out and bowl tomorrow. Visitors declared at 443-7 in the first innings while as Aussies were 6 for none at the end of day 2.