Relishing my battle with Virat Kohli, says Tim Paine

Australian skipper Tim Paine said that he is enjoying his battle with Indian counterpart Virat Kohli on the field.

The duo had some heated exchanges on the field and it continued even after the match when Kohli appeared to look through Paine during their frosty handshake. Many seemed to not like the move by Kohli but Paine had a different side to offer.

“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,” Paine was quoted according to a column in Melbourne’s Herald Sun.

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“Now to be out in the middle going head-to-head with him in a Test series is something I’m really relishing,” he added.

On the cold handshake he had with Kohli, Paine said that he wasn’t annoyed at the 30-year-old’s attitude.

“Virat is someone who is prepared to wear his heart on his sleeve and like all professional athletes, hates to lose,” he stated.

“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.”