Relishing the battles with Virat Kohli, says Tim Paine

The second Test between India and Australia in Perth was one of the best-fought games in recent memory. Both the teams had come into the contest on the back of contrasting fortunes. While world number one team India was brimming with confidence after winning the series opener, the beleaguered Australian side was still searching their first Test win under Tim Paine.

But contrary to what the majority had expected, Australia thoroughly outplayed the visitors, thrashing them by 146 runs to level the four-match series. The Tim Paine-led side outplayed India in almost all the trades as the Perth Stadium witnessed a memorable fight in its first-ever Test. However, all the brilliant individual performances and the competitive game was overshadowed by India skipper Virat Kohli‘s aggressive behaviour on the field.

On day three of the game, Kohli tried his best to unsettle the opposition especially Paine as the match’s fortune hung in balance.  Paine had come to the crease to bat when Australia were reeling at 120 for 4 in the second innings. Sensing an opportunity, Kohli tried to get under Paine’s skin. However, the Australian keeper-batsman was not ready to stay silent which eventually led to an animated verbal duel between the two skippers.

From Kohli mocking Paine to the latter calling the visiting skipper a bighead to both the captains almost colliding with each other, the game saw it all. The drama ended when Kohli gave a frosty handshake to Paine after the game.

Paine enjoying the battle

While many felt that Paine was not at ease, dealing with Kohli’s verbal volleys, the Australia skipper said he is relishing it.

“A lot was made of my battle with Virat in the second Test, and for the past few years when I haven’t been playing international cricket, he was one guy I loved watching,’ he said in a column for Melbourne’s Herald Sun. “Now to be out in the middle going head-to-head with him in a Test series is something I’m really relishing.”

He also opened up on the handshake, saying, “Virat is someone who is prepared to wear his heart on his sleeve and like all professional athletes, hates to lose,” he said.

“I like the way Virat plays. I don’t know him personally but I’ve always admired – not only his obvious skill as a player – but the passion and aggression he plays with. People like to see that and he gets fans through the gates,” added Paine.

The third and penultimate match of the series will be played in Melbourne from December 26.

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