Melbourne: Unfazed by Virat Kohli's aggressive body language on the field and no-holds-barred criticism off it, Australian opener David Warner today said the Indian is free to play the way he wishes and the ICC is there to manage if anybody crosses the line.
Australia have the upperhand in the ongoing third Test, having accumulated a 326-run lead at the end of the fourth day on Monday.
Tempers are also rising with Kohli taking on the Aussies with his own brand of aggression, going to the extent of stating that he only respect some of the home players after a showdown with Mitchell Johnson on more than one occasion.
Even today, Johnson was given quite a sendoff by the Indian players after being dismissed.
“I didn't see what they said to Mitchell Johnson but obviously Kohli was lurking around Brad Haddin. If that's the way he wants to go about his cricket then let him be. At the end of the day we also play cricket the aggressive way. Though I personally feel that whatever happens in the field should stay on the field. It shouldn't be brought off the field,” he said.
When asked about Kohli's lack of respect comments made yesterday, Warner replied, “That's his opinion as he had got 160-odd runs. So let him say what he wants to say. Whether it's the right thing to say or not, it's up to him. There is a line you cannot cross and it is for the ICC to manage with their fines and warnings. When we talk about sledging and stuff, physical contact and verbal swearing is where we draw the line.”
Talking about the match situation, Warner said his team needs more runs before it can think about declaring and setting a target for India.
The hosts finished their day at 261/7 with a handy lead of 326 runs.
