Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine were involved in a spirited exchange of words late on Day 3 of the second Test in Perth.
Australia was on 4-132 at stumps, with a lead of 175 heading into day four, but Kohli attempted to unsettle the hosts just before the end of the day’s play.
Paine tried to feather one down the leg side, with Indian players appealing before deciding not to review the decision.
It turned out Paine had not hit the ball but Kohli fired the first sledge.
“If he messes this up it is 2-0 and who’s going to talk then?” Kohli said to Paine.
The Aussie skipper smiled before firing back, “You’ve got to bat first big head.”
https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1074242427764932608
Kohli laughed off the remark before the pair continued verbal volleys at each other while walking off the field.
Paine was referring to the fact that India still needs six more wickets and then have to bat last on a deteriorating pitch.
The fiery exchange has set the tone for what is sure to be an enthralling battle on day four.
It was a reasonably light-hearted exchange, but things appeared to become more heated at the end of play when Kohli and Paine continued to exchange words as they walked towards their dressing rooms.
A quick recap of an epic day's play between the skippers at the close of play.
Bring on day four! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TIRY2eaYTS
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2018
“Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner,” Nathan Lyon laughed.
“I’ve played enough cricket against Virat to know what he’s like.
“Virat’s Virat.
“Virat Kohli is a great player. He plays on emotion.
“I’m not worried about what he’s doing or India’s doing,” he added.
