Tempers flare as Test cricket gets nasty

Tempers have exploded in Perth as West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn had to be separated by umpire Billy Bowden from Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson during a nasty mid-pitch altercation.

The drama began after Benn and Johnson collided as the batsman set off towards the wicketkeeper's end for a single and the giant spinner tried to field the ball off Haddin. 

As Johnson crossed Benn's path the bowler grabbed his arm and shirt. 

Haddin was incensed and, as the single was completed, he thrust his bat towards Benn complaining about the contact.

"Don't push your f------ bat at me, man," Benn then yelled at Haddin, who replied: "Get back and bowl."

Windies captain Chris Gayle was forced to get involved and calm Benn down as the umpires also intervened. Two balls later, the final ball of the over, Haddin drove straight back to Benn who then motioned to throw the ball wildly in the batsman's direction, resulting in Haddin jumping out of the way.

Benn then charged down the pitch pointing at Haddin and in that motion his elbow hit the side of Johnson's helmet, resulting in a push and shove between that pair before Bowden stepped in.

It is the second physical confrontation this match after Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and Dwayne Bravo exchanged shoves yesterday, as the growing animosity between the teams boils over.

Haddin was dismissed shortly after for 88 from just 91 balls, the 15th time an Australian has passed 50 this series without scoring a century.

Ponting declared the innings closed at 7-520 after Johnson was dismissed for 35, caught on the boundary by Benn from the bowling of Bravo.

In the morning session Haddin and Marcus North added 89 runs for the fifth wicket after Hussey added just one run to his overnight total before exiting, caught behind off a weaving delivery from Ravi Rampaul six overs into play. He will be furious at missing the opportunity to score a century but has nevertheless eased some pressure on his position.

Rookie Windies spinner Narsingh Deonarine removed North easily as the batsman lobbed a simple chance back to the bowler.

It was slight relief for the Windies as Haddin continued his onslaught, with the game moving further from their grasp.