Australia and India trade insults over tactics

The uneasy truce between Australia and India was in danger of breaking up when the two teams began trading insults over tactics in the fourth and final test yesterday.

India's opening batsmen Virender Sehwag accused the Australians of batting defensively because they were "scared" of losing while Australia's Matthew Hayden claimed the Indians had resorted to bowling wides to restrict their scoring opportunities.

"I think they're not going to win so they are scared and playing very defensive," Sehwag said.

"They only scored 260 in a day. This is not like Australia. Last time we came here they scored 400 in a day. They're scared about defeat."

India need to win the match to salvage a drawn series after they lost the opening two tests in Melbourne and Sydney then rebounded to win the third game in Perth. However, their hopes seem to be fading, with the match already heading towards a draw with two days to go.

Despite posting an impressive first innings total of 526, India's bowlers have struggled to make inroads against the Australians, who finished the third day on 322-3, still 204 behind but with seven wickets in hand.

Sehwag said the Indians were frustrated by Australia's slow scoring.

"On a flat track they scored 260 in a day and lost three wickets so there must be something wrong in their batting lineup or their thinking," he said.

"We're working hard on our bowling and fielding but if someone's playing defensive we can't help it."