Kohli and Paine involved in verbal spat at Perth stadium on Day 3

Debasis Sen, Perth: Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine were involved in a war of words late on day three of the second Test.

An appeal against Paine was turned down in the last over, with India deciding not to review the decision.

The tv replays showed Paine had not hit the ball. Indian captain standing at second slips 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 Australian skipper smiled before firing back, “You’ve got to bat first big head.”

Kohli laughed off the remark, before the pair continued to trade barbs, as they walked off the field.The fiery exchange sets the tone for what is sure to be an enthralling battle on day four.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon shrugged off the spirited banter between the two.“Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner,” said Nathan Lyon post days play.

“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.”

Australia finished the day on 4-132, with a lead of 175 heading into day four, but Kohli attempted to unsettle his rival just before stumps.