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The opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia and India witnessed an intriguing and controversial mid-pitch altercation between Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas.
Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas clash sparks controversy on Day 1 of Boxing Day test
The incident unfolded in the first session of play as Konstas, who was making his international debut, aggressively took on the Indian bowling attack, particularly pacers like Jasprit Bumrah. His confident approach and audacious shot-making were causing frustration among the Indian bowlers.
However, things escalated when Kohli, known for his fiery on-field persona, walked deliberately into Konstas’ path at the end of the 10th over, resulting in a heated exchange of words between the two players. Konstas, who appeared unfazed by the encounter, responded confidently, further intensifying the situation. Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja had to step in to defuse the tension, while on-field umpire Michael Gough intervened to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged heated words after shoulder bump on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test
Alyssa Healy’s aggressive response
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to examine the incident, particularly given the involvement of two key players in a high-stakes Test match. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Alyssa Healy, the captain of Australia’s women’s cricket team, expressed disappointment over Kohli’s behavior, suggesting that a player of his stature should have maintained a more professional demeanor.
“It’s a tricky one. Probably more disappointing than anything else that your experienced player, one of your best players, made a beeline for the youngest player in the opposition. It doesn’t really set the greatest tone for your side. But if that’s the approach the Indian team wants to take, so be it. But it didn’t rattle him one bit,” Healy said.
Ricky Ponting points fingers at Kohli’s actions
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was also critical of Kohli, pointing out that the Indian star deliberately instigated the confrontation. During live commentary on 7Cricket, Ponting analyzed the footage, accusing Kohli of deliberately provoking Konstas.
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. It looked to me like Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer,”
Konstas scores memorable debut fifty
Despite the tense moment, Konstas remained composed and displayed remarkable poise during his debut innings. He went on to score a gritty half-century, hitting six boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja towards the end of the session. His fearless approach against Bumrah stood out, particularly given the pressure and the opposition. Despite the setback of losing Konstas, Usman Khawaja continued to hold firm at the other end, reaching 57, while Marnus Labuschagne built upon his innings to remain unbeaten on 72. With drinks taken, Australia sat comfortably at 237/2, signaling their dominance in the session.
