Pakistan bowlers Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah have rejected suggestions of tension after they were involved in a heated exchange during training a day before the first Test starts in Brisbane.

The pair clashed over a tackle during a warm-up football game at the Gabba on Wednesday, with Shah – who has been battling a back injury – pushing Riaz in the chest as tempers flared.

Shah and Riaz had to be separated by coach Mickey Arthur and then they were sent off the field.

“Both [players] had an exchange of words but it wasn’t serious,” media manager Amjad Hussain Bhatti told ESPNcricinfo. “Both were immediately separated... but now they are both fine and have apologised to each other too.”

Shah and Riaz also both appeared in a video posted to YouTube playing down in the incident.

“Yasir and I are great friends,” Riaz said. “Nothing of the sort happened. We are not against each other. There is no disunity between us. We will play together tomorrow, and you have to pray for us.”

A Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson said action against the duo was being considered but unlikely.

The first of three Tests begins at the Gabba on Thursday, with Pakistan aiming to score their first Test win in Australia since 1995.