Gautam Gambhir was involved heated exchanges with Shane Watson and Simon Katich in the first day of the third Test.

Gambhir, who appeared to have been provoked by Watson while he was taking his first run off the Australian's delivery in the 51st over, nudged the bowler when he crossed him while completing the second run.

Gambhir's gesture left Watson shaking his head in wonder and skipper Ricky Ponting took note of it.

The young Delhi batman's gesture was a reaction to an earlier exchange that happened in the 18th over when Watson had deliberately walked down the wicket to Gambhir.

The enraged Delhi batsman later hit a towering six off Watson to complete his third Test century in the final session of the day.

Gambhir was also involved in a heated exchange with Katich when the Australian opener seemed to take offence to Gambhir's running between the wickets. The TV commentators too were in the dark as to what provoked Katich.

However, umpire Billy Bowden intervened and calmed down the players before it took an uglier shape.

It remains to be seen whether the match officials find Gambhir's gesture towards Watson offensive as per the ICC code of conduct.