Virat Kohli sledges Jonny Bairstow but quietly applauds when he scores century

It is no secret that Virat Kohli will not stand still if anyone takes a dig at him. Such an instance was witnessed on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test against England. There was a war of words happening between the former Indian skipper and English batsman Jonny Bairstow.

 

 

Now, Bairstow has been in form and the best performer for the side this summer as he scored centuries against New Zealand at Trent Bridge and Headingley. Things between both of them got tensed when Kohli said, "a bit quicker than Southee, eh?" as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj put pressure on the England batting lineup.

 

 

 

The exact conversation could not be heard but the sledging contest between Bairstow and Kohli was carried forward on an ongoing Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test. The cameras caught Kohli first walking up to Bairstow signalling him to stand in his crease and the former India skipper was then seen making hand gestures. He was then seen gesturing to Bairstow to stay quiet.

 

After England captain Ben Stokes was then seen having a word with Kohli, the star India batter approached Bairstow with a big smile and gave him what looked like a friendly punch on the arm. “Shut up. Just stand and bat," Kohli was heard on the stump mic earlier as Bairstow struggled.

 

Bairstow went on to smash 104 before falling to Mohammed Shami. However, what came next was a good spirit shown by Virat Kohli.

 

 

 

As Bairstow lifted his bat toward the roaring crowds, Kohli was snapped applauding the cricketer showing that, at the end of the day, he respected the ton, even if it came from an opponent. Later, Kohli, who took the catch at first slip to dismiss the England centurion, was seen blowing a kiss as India celebrated the big breakthrough.

 

England were eventually bowled out for 284, conceding a 132-run first-innings lead.