Australia vs India 2018: I Appreciate That Virat Kohli Never Likes To Lose, Says Tim Paine

Australian skipper Tim Paine is enjoying his heated battle with Indian National Cricket Team skipper Virat Kohli and assured some more intense cricket during the Boxing Day Test. The third Test of the four-match Test series will commence from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The series is currently tied at 1-1 after Paine’s men won the last game by 146 runs.

Kohli never likes to lose – Paine

Meanwhile, both the captains had some exchange of words during the Perth Test. After a certain point in time, the umpire had to intervene to keep them calm. In addition to, Kohli offered only a frosty handshake at the end of the game, which Australia won to level the series 1-1, refusing to meet Paine’s eye in a move blasted by some as disrespectful.

Aussies skipper Paine explained what had happened with Virat Kohli in the second Test. He also appreciated Kohli and said that he likes to watch him playing cricket. But Paine said he enjoys that Kohli never wants to lose.

“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 in a column for Melbourne’s Herald Sun.

Furthermore, the Australia wicket-keeper batsman conveyed that Kohli is someone with a big heart. Paine also added that he was not annoyed by Kohli looking straight past him at the handshake. He also applauded Virat Kohli labeling him as an excellent and skillful player.

“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.” Paine added.

However, with the four matches tied at 1-1, the stakes are high for the third Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Both the teams will be eager to win the Test and put themselves in a secured position.