'There's going to be words': Faulkner

With the prize being a place in the World Cup final, James Faulkner expects there will be plenty of niggle between Australia and India at the SCG on Thursday.

The recent four-Test series between the two sides featured a handful of run-ins, with Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant Sharma, David Warner and Mitchell Starc all reprimanded over their conduct.

Watch: Starc's send-off in Test series

Image Id: ~/media/6ADA562B997C44CFB119AAD1BBCBA6AB

Mitch Starc was fired up at times in the Test series // Getty Images

"There's going to be words said and it's going to be a really tough contest," Faulkner said in Sydney on Monday.

"I think there always is (sledging) in the game, if there isn't you've got problems.

"It's the nature of the game, it's a semi-final. Cut throat.

"Neither team will be backing down."

Image Id: ~/media/9670C2CD195547CBA6AED59711040340

David Warner and Virat Kohli share some words during the Test series // Getty Images

Warner risks a ban if he plays up again in the SCG semi-final, having also been fined for his "speak English" stoush with Rohit Sharma during the ODI tri-series.

International Cricket Council chief David Richardson vowed last month there would be a crackdown on sledging and poor on-field behaviour.

David Warner and Rohit Sharma exchanged words as Australia and India's first ODI of the summer threatened to boil over

The ICC showed as much when they fined Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz for an enthralling showdown at Adelaide Oval last Friday that was spectacular more than spiteful.

"It was all in great spirit," Faulkner said of Watson's battle with Pakistan paceman Wahab, echoing the sentiment of Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting and Kevin Pietersen.

Image Id: ~/media/7DA93FE4CE584386B3E97760D587F996

The cricket world is still buzzing over the Watson-Riaz battle // Getty Images

Ponting:'Cricket at its absolute best'

The SCG outer is also likely to be slinging some unfriendly words the way of Faulkner and his teammates.

With the exception of corporate and travel packages, the knockout clash is a sell out.

It's understood the majority of the 45,000-plus fans attending will be India supporters, many having travelled from around the world to see the defending champions in action.

Image Id: ~/media/C5385EEAD6AC4F15862111F58AC3C759

India fans will be out in force at the SCG // Getty Images

"We were talking about it last night at dinner, the last game we played here it definitely felt like that," Faulkner said, when asked if his side was worried it would feel like an away fixture.

"The passion the Indian fans show towards their cricket team is sensational, so we're definitely expecting that.

"The last game we played against India here was a washout and the fans were unbelievable in the way they supported."

National selectors have made at least one change for every game in the tournament, some forced due to fitness and others on account of form.

That trend is expected to stop on Thursday.

Josh Hazlewood was named man of the match in Australia's quarter-final win over Pakistan in the round of eight, making it hard for Xavier Doherty to return even if it's a spin-friendly pitch.

Aaron Finch hasn't delivered a score of substance since making 135 in Australia's World Cup opener, but his position is not in serious jeopardy.

Prior to Monday's training session at the SCG, Finch spent time in the nets with batting coach Michael Di Venuto and friend Andrew McDonald in an attempt to rediscover the form he showed against England at the MCG.

Faulkner said his side would have to be at their best to down India, who are undefeated in the tournament.

"They've spent a fair bit of time in the country, so they've adapted well to the conditions ... it should be a good spectacle," Faulkner said.