Ever since the incriminating video of Steve Smith, who was seen scuffing up the batting guard marks of Rishabh Pant during the 3rd Test, surfaced on social media, cricket pundits and fans continue to share a divided opinion about the incident.

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

While many felt that Smith was cheating, others opined that it was surely an avoidable incident. 

The Australian camp has since rallied behind their star batsman claiming that he was just shadow batting before quashing all the claims. 

Smith, himself, gave an explanation where he revealed that he was just trying to visualise where the Aussie bowlers were bowling on the pitch.

The Steve Smith incident has caused great debate ... I saw it as a silly thing for him to be doing but i didn’t have it as cheating ...the laws are above ... #OnOn ... What do we all think ?? @ Wilmslow https://t.co/TCMud0cxPU

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 12, 2021

Amid the ongoing debate, two cricket legends, too, were seen engrossed in a fiery spat over the whole episode on social media. 

It all began when Michael Vaughan tweeted: "The Steve Smith incident has caused great debate...I saw it as a silly thing for him to be doing but i didn't have it as cheating...the laws are above...#OnOn...What do we all think??".

You’ve lost your marbles Vaughney. I’d be more worried about deliberate time wasting in the modern game.🤷‍♂️

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) January 13, 2021

Waugh took notice of the former England captain's tweet and replied: "You've lost your marbles Vaughney. I'd be more worried about deliberate time wasting in the modern game".

Are you struggling to read Junior ... as I have clearly stated it was silly & not cheating but the laws are the laws ... btw let’s see if he continues to do it in Brisbane if he does it all the time :.. #OnOn https://t.co/JoYunJn8X2

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 13, 2021

Soon, Vaughan responded to the Australian batting legend and clarified his stance on the incident before taking a sly dig at Waugh and Smith. 

"Are you struggling to read Junior...as I have clearly stated it was silly & not cheating but the laws are the laws...btw let's see if he continues to do it in Brisbane if he does it all the time," Vaughan replied.

While the debate on Smith's antics continues on social media, the cricket action now shifts to Brisbane where India and Australia will be seen locking horns in the fourth and final Test, slated to begin from 15th January.

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