David Warner: Virat Kohli-James Faulkner face-off 'fantastic', International Cricket Council crackdown a 'joke'

Warner and the Aussies lost the three-match T20I series on Friday after a 27-run defeat at the MCG.

New Delhi: Explosive Australian opener David Warner on Friday termed International Cricket Council's crackdown on players' behaviour on field as 'a bit of a joke'.

However, the left-hander backed firebrand India Test captain Virat Kohli's with regards to his aggressive attitude during the ongoing Australian tour.

“It's been tough with the crackdown of the ICC at the moment. I'm not going to have a pot shot at them but it's becoming a bit of a joke. The players can't celebrate as much,” Warner said.

“We know sometimes things might get a little bit out of hand, but that's what we love about the game; we love the contest and it (the crackdown) is really taking away from the bat-and-ball contest,” he further added.

Giving a thumbs up on firebrand Kohli's aggressive demeanor, Warner said the star Indian batsman and himself have become targets for special attention due to their reputations. “I think it's fantastic,” Warner said of the light-hearted confrontations between Kohli and James Faulkner.

Warner and the Aussies lost the three-match T20I series on Friday after a 27-run defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The home side had earlier won the ODI series 4-1.

(With PTI inputs)