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Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia Head Coach Justin Langer on Wednesday came forward in support of test captain Tim Paine and Steve Smith following the controversy surrounding them in the Sydney test match. Langer termed the criticism as ‘rubbish’ against the two Australian cricketers. Smith was dragged into controversy after visuals emerged him scuffing the batting guard during Rishabh Pant's innings. Paine was severely criticized for his verbal assault on Indian off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The Australian captain did apologized for the incident on Tuesday.

Langer took particular issue with accusations against Smith, who often shadow bats on the pitch during breaks in play.

"It was absolutely ludicrous," Langer told reporters on Wednesday.

"We've laughed about how all he thinks about is batting. He was just standing there, thinking about batting. He is 100 per cent innocent in this. Give me a break, I've never heard so much rubbish in my life."

"Everything said about Steve Smith is absolutely ludicrous ... The wicket at the SCG was like concrete, he would've needed 15-inch spikes to do what people were accusing him of doing and messing up Pant's guard."

Langer said that Paine, credited with leading a culture overhaul in the Australian team after the ball-tampering scandal, had a sterling record as captain and should be cut some slack.

"He wasn't forced to make an apology. He felt remorseful and he came to us and said he wants to get on the front foot. I really respect him for it," Langer said.

"For a bloke that's barely put a hair out of line, for three years as captain of Australia ... he got a bit frustrated for two minutes. The bloke is human, give him a break."

The four match test series is leveled at 1-1 with the deciding match to be played at the Gabba from Friday.