Ahead of Australia’s tour to India, former Australian great Matthew Hayden has warned Virender Sehwag to “never take Aussies for a joke”.

Hayden fired the warning after former cricketer Virender Sehwag fired the proverbial ‘first shot’ with an advertisement for Star Sports that featured children donning Australia jersey colours in reference to the ‘babysitter’ comment made by Australian cricketer Tim Paine while sledging wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant last year. The incident took place during the four-match Test series between India and Australia that Virat Kohli & Co led 2-1.

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Every baby needs a babysitter – 🇦🇺 and 🇮🇳 would remember this well! 😉

The Aussies are on their way and here’s how @virendersehwag is welcoming ’em! Watch Paytm #INDvAUS Feb 24 onwards LIVE on Star Sports to know who will have the last laugh. #Babysitting pic.twitter.com/t5U8kBj78C

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 10, 2019

“BeWarned Never take Aussie’s for a joke Viru Boy @virendersehwag @StarSportsIndia Just remember who’s baby sitting the #WorldCup trophy,” Hayden wrote on Twitter.

#BeWarned Never take Aussie’s for a joke Viru Boy @virendersehwag @StarSportsIndia Just remember who’s baby sitting the #WorldCup trophy https://t.co/yRUtJVu3XJ

— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) February 11, 2019

Rishabh Pant was in awe of Virender Sehwag after seeing the video. “Viru paaji showing me how to be better at cricket and babysitting — an inspiration always! 🙌

@StarSportsIndia @virendersehwag,” Pant wrote on Twitter.

Viru paaji showing me how to be better at cricket and babysitting — an inspiration always! 🙌@StarSportsIndia @virendersehwaghttps://t.co/IZvf9AqoJV

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabPant777) February 13, 2019

The two-match T20I series between India and Australia begins on February 24. The T20I series would be followed by five-match One Day International (ODI) series.