It is impossible to have an India versus Australia Test series, and it without having any banter between the players on either side. In the ongoing Test series Down Under, it is India captain Virat Kohli and Australian captain Tim Paine, who are at loggerheads at the moment. However, the duo has downplayed the heated incident that took place during the second Test at Perth. Anil Kumble Picks Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari As Openers for India Team Ahead Boxing Day Test Against Australia: Read His First XI Here.

While speaking to an English daily, Aussie captain Tim Paine said, “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. "Now to be out in the middle going head-to-head with him in a Test series is something I'm really relishing.”

Tim Paine said that he hasn’t known Virat Kohli personally but admires him greatly. He said, “Virat is someone who is prepared to wear his heart on his sleeve and like all professional athletes, hates to lose. 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." Hardik Pandya Bowls for the First Time After Injury, Check out the Pics of Team India Practice Session Ahead of 2018 Boxing Day Test.

A lot has been talked about the heated exchange that took place in the previous Test match. Virat Kohli has received flak from the former cricketers. However, many of them have supported his aggressive approach too. Recently, India coach Ravi Shastri came out in Kohli’s defence.

Shastri called Virat Kohli an absolute gentleman. He said, “He was fantastic. What is wrong with his behaviour? Of course, you can question, but as far as we are concerned, he is an absolute gentleman.” Ravi Shastri Defends Virat Kohli’s on-field Antics Ahead of Boxing Day Test at MCG, Says ‘He is an Absolute Gentleman’.

Tim Paine also mentioned that the first day of the Boxing Day Test would be very crucial. Paine said, “I think day one, in particular, is going to be really intense, 'hard' cricket."

With the 4-match Test series tied at 1-1 currently, it will be exciting to see what ‘hard’ brand of cricket Australia and India brings to the field in the third Test, starting December 26. Stay tuned with LatestLY for all the latest updates on India vs Australia Test series 2018-19.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2018 10:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).