Cricket: Black Caps bowler Tim Southee and Australian batsman David Warner in heated exchange in first test in Perth

Tim Southee throwing the ball back at Joe Burns angered Australian teammate David Warner. Photos / Getty Images, SKY

David Warner and Tim Southee have traded verbal barbs in the middle of the Perth Stadium pitch after the Black Caps quick fired off a loose throw at the stumps that struck Joe Burns.

Burns, batting out of his crease, bunted a forward defensive straight back to Southee, who then threw it straight back towards the stumps, striking Burns in the hand.

At the non-striker's end, Warner scolded Southee for crossing the line as the bowler walked back to his mark.

Southee defended his actions by saying he was trying to run Burns out.

The exchange could be heard from the stump microphones.

As the crowd booed the Kiwi, Warner was heard saying: "C'mon mate".

Southee then explained: "He (Burns) was out (of his crease)".

Warner shot back: "But you hit his hand".

Southee shrugged it off: " Well he was in front of the wicket".

It only angered Warner more.

"C'mon, you're supposed to be Mr Nice Guy," Warner said.

Former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting said it was clear from the heated exchange that the battle will rage during this series.

"I tell you what the Aussies will notice - there was no apology, either," Ponting told Channel 7.

"He didn't say sorry at all."

Kiwi legend Brendon McCullum defended Southee, by suggesting his throw slipped from his fingers and he didn't intend to strike Burns.

"I think it's gone horribly wrong, I think it's caught in his fingers," McCullum said.

"David Warner didn't miss him anyway."