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No love lost between Kohli and Johnson as verbal volleys continue

December 29, 2014 16:33 IST

Ravichandran Ashwin of India celebrates with Virat Kohli after dismissing David Warner of Australia during day four of the Third Test match. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

A day after expressing his displeasure at Australia's on-field banter, India vice-captain Virat Kohli once again had a go at Mitchell Johnson and apparently said something to the home team's pace spearhead as he was walking off after being dismissed.

- Scorecard

'If you give it back to the Aussies, they don't like it'

Mitchell Johnson of Australia reacts after being dismissed during day four of the Third Test match. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

The incident transpired in the 68th over of Australia's second innings when Johnson was dismissed by Mohammed Shami following which Kohli was seen speaking to the batsman.

In return Johnson also had something to say but it was not clear whether his talk was directed at Kohli or was a complaint to the umpires as the the two on-field officials did have a word with the Indian after that.

The hosts put themselves in a comfortable position by taking an overall lead of 326 runs by the end of fourth day's play as the third cricket Test headed for an exciting finish.

Virat Kohli falls to the ground after being hit by a throw at the stumps from bowler Mitchell Johnson. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Never the one to shy away from an on-field showdown, the feisty Kohli had on Sunday said that being called a "spoilt brat" by the Australians brought the best out of him as he smashed a career-best 169-run knock.

"It was going on throughout the day. They were calling me a spoilt brat and I said 'maybe that's the way I am. You guys hate me and I like that'. I don't mind having a chat on the field and it worked in my favour I guess," a combative Kohli had said at the end of third day's play.

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