"We are all very passionate about playing Test cricket for Australia. I was really proud of the way our team conducted itself on the field."
Tuesday 18 December 2018 16:56, UK
Australia's Tim Paine has played down his verbals with Virat Kohli in the second Test, saying he "loves" the Indian's attitude.
Paine responded later in the game by saying to Murali Vijay about Kohli: "I know he's your captain but you can't seriously like him as a bloke?" - but the Baggy Greens captain insists there is no ill feeling between the two.
"It was a highly competitive Test match from both teams and there was a lot on the line, with both teams desperately wanting to win," said Paine, whose side will now head to the Boxing Day Test at The MCG all square.
"It [Kohli's behaviour] was not [worrying] to me, I love it and I'm sure it was great to watch. At some point you have got to draw a line and start sticking up for yourself and your team-mates.
"We are all very passionate about playing Test cricket for Australia. I was really proud of the way our team conducted itself on the field this week.
"It was a tough and bruising Test as both teams have outstanding fast-bowling attacks."
Kohli saw no issues with Paine's chirping either and also defended India's decision to go into the Perth Test without a frontline spinner - and with a long tail - following Ravichandran Ahswin's injury.
"As long as there is no swearing the line doesn't get crossed. And no personal attacks," added Kohli. "Stump mics and cameras... these things are totally irrelevant. It stays on the field."
On his bowling attack, Kohli added: "We thought the fast bowlers were going to be more productive for us as a team.
"They executed their plans to 95 per cent of what we expected and you can be happy with that. We were pretty convinced going in with four fast bowlers, looking at the conditions, and I think they did pretty well.
"Obviously Ashwin or [Ravindra] Jadeja have more ability with the bat," Kohli said. "It is a very tricky decision to make, what bowling option do you go with or do you want that guy to contribute with the bat?
"We backed that decision and went with it - we were totally convinced it was our best combination and the batsmen have to take responsibility."
