Kohli, Paine asked to behave on field by umpire at Perth

Debasis Sen, Perth: The ensuing India-Australia series is turning out to be a controversial one like the 2008 series with tensions flaring up in both camps. Rival captains Virat Kohli and Tim Paine is in the middle of all the controversy.

Indian captain Virat Kohli was seen rushing in from mid-off  in the morning session on Day 4 to come provocatively close to Paine (standing at the non striker end) though it’s unclear if the Australian had deviated in his line to ensure a confrontation.

An irate Paine was heard on stump mics telling Kohli “you’re the one that lost it yesterday, now you’re trying to be cool today”.

Umpire Gaffaney intervened, warning the pair “that’s enough”.

“Play the game,” the New Zealand umpire said. “You guys are the captains. Tim, you’re the captain.”

Paine then gave Kohli a parting shot, advising him to “keep your cool Virat,” which drew a smile from his opposing number.

The two were also involved in a spat the night before when Kohli said within earshot of the Australian captain it would be 2-0 “if he messes it up”. Paine replied by reminding Kohli “you’ve got to bat first, big head”.

The matter did not end there as Paine expressed his annoyance with the India skipper, who upped the ante in his goading of the home side on Monday.

Paine was heard on the stump mics, telling Indian opener Murali Vijay, “I know he’s your captain, but you can’t seriously like him as a bloke,” Paine was picked up saying on the stump mic.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting did not see much into the incident. Talking to Channel Seven, Ponting said, “We’re allowed to have a conversation, there’s been no swearing, no aggression.”

The incident comes as Australia attempt to clean up their on-field conduct in the wake of the ball tampering controversy in South Africa.

There is a feeling within the Australian camp that double standards are being applied when it comes to Kohli’s on-field behaviour, with coach Justin Langer saying during the first Test his team would be labelled the “worst blokes in the world” if they had conducted themselves that way.