Tim Paine: Why I’m loving heated Kohli contest

A lot was made of my battle with Virat Kohli in the second Test, and when I haven’t been playing international cricket, he was one guy I loved watching. It’s a challenge I’ve been relishing.

Virat Kohli looks straight past Tim Paine after the Perth Test. Picture: Getty

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The scene is set for a massive Boxing Day Test.

The series is drawn 1-1, and while know India is going to come out really hard on Boxing Day, so are we.

This is what you play for.

I think day one in particular is going to be really intense, ‘hard’ cricket.

The message in our camp this week is that we’re at halftime in the Grand Final and we’re bracing for a fierce last two quarters.

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.

Virat Kohli looks straight past Tim Paine after the Perth Test. Picture: Getty

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

When Virat looked straight past me as we shook hands after the Perth Test, I wasn’t annoyed in the slightest.

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.

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To be honest, I like to play in a similar manner myself. Not as outward with my emotions and body language, but we all play at this level because we love the contest and his combative style and the way he backs himself is how he gets up.

My mantra as Australian captain is you have to be yourself.

I know I lead and perform better when I stay calm under pressure.

Virat Kohli and Tim Paine almost got physical in Perth. Picture: AAP

The team’s on-field demeanour in the opening two Tests is something I’m looking forward to seeing continue here in Melbourne.

The guys are enjoying themselves out in the field and playing the game in the right spirit. We know more than ever the responsibility we have to be role models, and I’ve been really proud of the way the team has embraced that responsibility.

On that note, I think the new broadcasters and stump mics have been a really good addition for the game this summer. It’s bringing fans closer to the action and it’s a great way for people to get to know the players’ personalities.

A lot of times in the Ashes last year, there were a lot of presumptions in the media about how bad the sledging was.

I think turning the mics up gives the fans an idea of what is actually being said, and that in most cases it’s humorous banter.

I saw the ICC match officials gave the Perth pitch an “average” rating. Personally I thought it was a fantastic Test match wicket and the quality of the Test match spoke for itself.

There was no point when the bat or ball completely dominated, and the pitch allowed for an enthralling contest for five days.

Tim Paine gives Kohli some of his own medicine. Picture: Getty

My wife’s father sadly passed away last year so this will be my first Christmas Day with the Test team, and I’m really looking forward to relaxing and spending time with my teammates and their families, ahead of what is going to be such a big day.

Cricket Australia get all the player’s and staff’s families together here with us for the day and it’ll be a great time opening presents with the kids and enjoying the company of a big contingent of people who support us through our careers.

Merry Christmas!

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