Matthew Wade and Rishabh Pant were engaged in a verbal duel throughout the afternoon session of day three of the second Australia-India Test at the MCG.

Despite Virat Kohli’s exit for the last three Tests, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains as hotly contested as ever, with day three of the second Test seeing several comments passed between the two teams.

Australia captain Tim Paine aimed a barb Ravindra Jadeja’s way after the all-rounder ran his captain Ajinkya Rahane out, while in the afternoon session, Matthew Wade and Rishabh Pant were engaged in a long-running verbal back-and-forth.

These two are enjoying each other's company, it seems 👀pic.twitter.com/Y8IBpkqnR8

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) December 28, 2020

Wade could be heard mimicking Pant’s laugh part-way through the session, before asking the wicketkeeper, “You looking at yourself on the big screen again? It’s funny, I’ll give you that. Very funny watching yourself on the screen.” The session ended with a moment that was tense and comical in equal measure, with Wade leaving alone a delivery from R Ashwin before turning as he rose to square up to Pant.

Neither side giving an inch! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HVJUNtMBvD

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2020

As Wade left the field, he was interviewed by Fox Sports and gave an insight into Pant’s unique chirping style.

“He just laughs all the time,” Wade explained. “He doesn’t really say much, he just always laughs at you. I don’t know what’s so funny, it must be my batting.”

With Wade unbeaten on 27* at tea, he was giving the Indians a headache as well as causing mirth. Who will have the last laugh remains to be seen.