<text>  Australia have no intention of shirking the verbal battle as they seek to defeat defending champions India in their World Cup semi-final in Sydney. Michael Clarkes team already know that fellow tournament co-hosts New Zealand will await Thursdays winners in Sundays final at the MCG. Resurgent India, like the Kiwis so far unbeaten throughout their campaign, are sure to provide a stern test as Australia pursue a record fifth title. Mitchell Johnson centre will not shirk the verbal battle against India in the World Cup semi-final on Thursday . The left-arm fast bowler will not be put off after Shane Watson was fined for verbal exchanges in the last eight . Clarke and Co will not be put off in their quest to retain the trophy, though, by the consequences of Shane Watsons epic confrontation with Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz in their last-eight success in Adelaide four days ago. Watson had to withstand some ferocious short balls and gave as good as he got too in verbal exchanges which resulted in fines for both players under the International Cricket Councils code of conduct. The Australia all-rounder emerged the emphatic victor, however - with an unbeaten 64, having been dropped on four off Wahab, as he and the big-hitting Glenn Maxwell took their team to a six-wicket verdict with almost 16 overs to spare. Australias combative opener David Warner has since suggested he may have to leave the chat to others but Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner will happily take over. Johnson told Fox Sports: I heard Davey say he wasnt going to get involved in all that stuff. Someones got to do it, and I think I might put my hand up. Johnson, fellow seamer Faulkner and coach Darren Lehmann all appear most definitely ready to re-engage. Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz were both fined for their exchanges in the quarter-final on Friday . Australia all-rounder James Faulkner is another who will not be backing away from the verbal battle . Australias left-arm pace spearhead added: Its part of the game - and what happened the other day with Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz I thought was exceptional, the way they played the game. It was unfortunate with what happened afterwards. I thought it was great entertaining cricket to watch, and I think youre going to see some more entertainment this game. Lehmann agreed in his column for cricket.com.au: I cant help but think its a bit disappointing that the exchange was deemed to have crossed the line. Ive been interested to read that greats of the game such as Brian Lara and Kevin Pietersen were surprised thats how it was interpreted. But I have no doubt the passion and the thrills that Wahabs spell ignited among the crowd in Adelaide will be there for all to see and hear at the SCG when we take on India in Thursdays semi-final. Faulkner is like-minded: Theres going to be words said, and its going to be a really tough contest. I think there always is sledging in the game - if there isnt, youve got problems. Its the nature of the game, its a semi-final - cut throat. Australia coach Darren Lehmann said he was disappointed Watsons exchange with Riaz was deemed to have over-stepped the mark . Johnson and his team-mates trained at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday . Neither team will be backing down. India have defied the expectations of many, not just by progressing so far after playing the stooges in the preceding tri-series against Australia and England but by taking all 70 wickets available to them en route - often with pace, rather than spin. Number three batsman Virat Kohli is relishing the chance to prove another point after Indias 109-run quarter-final trouncing of Bangladesh. Its the perfect time for us, an opportunity to do justice to the way we play, he told cricket.com.au. We knew we had things to work on after the tri-series, and not much time. The way our bowlers have reacted, and performed, with composure, confidence and aggression has been wonderful to watch. Our bowling attack has come into play in this World Cup - taking 70 wickets in seven games, thats probably been the difference. If we can continue to do that, well have a great chance come game day. 