By IANS,
Mohali (Punjab) : India’s fast bowler Zaheer Khan and Australian captain Ricky Ponting got into a verbal spat Friday in the first cricket Test which got underway Friday at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here.
The incident occurred when Ponting was run out for 71 by a direct throw by Suresh Raina.
As Ponting was walking out, Zaheer, who was in a huddle with his teammates, seemed to make a remark and the Australian skipper turned and walked back to the Indian pacer pointing his bat at him.
As the two got into a heated exchange of words, umpire Billy Bowden rushed in to calmed them down.
Though the other Indian players, who were having drinks at the fall of the wicket, did not react, skipper Mahender Singh Dhoni could be seen restraining Zaheer from proceeding towards Ponting.
The incident is likely to be reported by the umpires to the match referee Chris Broad.
Australia had elected to bat after winning the toss on the first day of the Mohali test here.