David Warner Taunts Varun Aaron, Triggers Sledge Fest

Phillip Hughes' tragic death had seemingly eased the tension between Australia and India on the cricket field. But an incident involving David Warner on the fourth afternoon in the ongoing opening Test at the Adelaide Oval restored 'normalcy' as Indian fielders exchanged heated words with the fiery Aussie batsman. (Scorecard | Blog)

Warner, who followed up his first innings 145 with a rapid half-century in the second essay, was bowled by Varun Aaron on 66. The dismissal triggered wild celebrations from the Indians with Aaron letting off some steam at the departing Warner. However, the umpire decided to check for a no-ball and TV replays showed Aaron had overstepped by a long way. As the feisty left-handed batsman walked back to the crease, he had something to say to the bowler. (Abbott Bounces Back From Hughes Tragedy, Takes Career-Best Figures)

Shikhar Dhawan stepped in from mid-on and asked Warner to mind his end. Aaron got involved, as did Shane Watson, who was batting at the other end. Dhawan and Watson have had a bitter-sweet past and it was not long before the two were seen exchanging a few words between themselves.

Aaron, a new breed of Indian cricketer, was not going to let it pass, and he kept up the heat on Warner, who blew a kiss at his adversary. Eventually, Virat Kohli stepped in to calm Warner down, who listened patiently to the Indian captain. Kohli has earned massive respect from the Australian players after attending Hughes' funeral.

The altercation on the field during the second session on Day 4 was not uncommon between two aggressive sides. However, many thought this was not the summer to involve in sledging. Former Australian captain Allan Border had gone to the extent of believing that the hosts would be "more mellow for a short term". After Mitchell Johnson had hit Kohli on the helmet with a bouncer, the likes of Warner, Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke and Johnson himself rushed in to check on him.

However, it was clear from Friday's events that neither Australia nor India will back away from some fire in the middle. The Indians have paid their respects to Hughes, commiserated with the Australian cricketers in their hour of grief but like Kohli had announced before arriving in Australia, they will display ruthless cricket throughout the tour.