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Smith, who has a chequered past following his ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, was videoed scuffing the Indian batsman's guard in yet another controversial moment.
The clip shows the Australian shadow batting before deliberately brushing Pant's guard with his right foot.
Pant then walks back to the crease, marking his guard all over again.
Though Smith's face was not clearly visible in the video, fans could figure him out by his shirt number.
Former India opening batsman Virender Sehwag shared the damning footage on social media, accompanied with the caption: "Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease.
"But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today," he added.
Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana.
But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM
- Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021
Ex-England bowler Darren Gough also weighed in, branding the incident as "shocking".
He tweeted: "Shocking. does he think he's invisible with all those cameras. Well done India."
Classy as ever from Steve Smith :clap: https://t.co/vzWWAe2TQs
- England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) January 11, 2021
Steve Smith might have erased Pant's guard mark but he already made mark for himself with a sensational innings :fire:
- Bobgally (@Krishnan_Masi) January 11, 2021
This is very very poor from Steve smith !! https://t.co/UwUz7zrdzx
- Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 11, 2021
Another said: "Has Steve Smith learnt nothing about cheating and bad sportsmanship??"
A fan tweeted: "Once a cheater, always a cheater.... you can't get the 'Cheat' out of Steven Smith!"
As for the actual match, India batted out the final day to earn a hard-fought draw in the third test with Pant hitting a sublime 97.
Australia and India resume hostilities on January 15 with the series tied 1-1.
Topics: Test Match, Steve Smith, Cricket News, Australia