Paine to Kohli: You’ve to bat, big head!

Perth, December 16

Tensions flared-up towards the end of Day 3 with none other than the two captains, Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, exchanging verbal volleys as the second Test between India and Australia headed for a nail-biting finish.

Kohli was out caught at second slip and while the catch was referred to the third umpire, it wasn’t overturned on account of the on-field umpire having given an ‘out’ signal. It led to quite a talkative Kohli on the field during Australia’s second innings. “If he messes it up, it’s 2-0,” Kohli said on the field about Paine, and this comment was picked up by the on-field microphone. The Australian captain did not hold himself back and replied: “You’ve got to bat first, big head.”

Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon played down the incident. “I think Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner that’s all. I’ve played enough cricket against Virat to know what he’s like, and I’m not worried about what he’s doing or what India’s doing,” said Lyon. “Virat is a great player, he plays on emotion, we all know that, and to be honest I’m not too concerned how Virat reacts or the way he conducts himself. I’m just worried about what we can control in the Australian dressing room and I thought as bowlers we came out today and performed pretty well.”

But on air, former Australia batsman Mike Hussey said: “Kohli is out of control... I don’t like his attitude at the moment.” Allan Border, the former captain, said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen any captain carry on like that.” — PTI