Virat Kohli and Australian youngster Sam Konstas were involved in a physical altercation on Thursday as tempers flared on the first day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, the 19-year-old debutant later played down the incident, saying the Indian superstar had accidentally bumped into him.
The brief confrontation occurred after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings when players were crossing over. Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch. Both players quickly turned around, exchanged heated words, and had to be separated by Konstas’ teammate Usman Khawaja.
On-field umpires also intervened and had a word with the two players.
Speaking to reporters after stumps, Konstas downplayed the clash, saying it wasn’t deliberate.
“Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, that’s cricket and can happen with tension,” said the teenager.
“I think the emotions got to both of us,” Konstas told Channel 7 during the second session. “I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket,” he added.
Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time, responded to the incident by hitting Jasprit Bumrah for two boundaries and a six in the next over. The 19-year-old went on to score a stunning fifty on debut before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Ravindra Jadeja.
India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also brushed aside the incident during the end-of-day press conference.
“When you play a game, there will be emotions, but it is not as big as it seems. I wasn’t aware of what happened and don’t know what was said,” Nayar stated.
Ponting criticises Kohli; Oz media suggests disciplinary action
Despite Konstas’ attempts to downplay the matter, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting blamed Kohli for initiating the exchange and suggested that the Indian batter could face disciplinary action.
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” Ponting said on Channel 7 while watching the replay of the incident.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer,” Ponting added.
According to a report in cricket.com.au, match referee Andy Pycroft is likely to review the incident.
The ICC’s Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits any form of inappropriate physical contact in cricket. The regulations state that players will breach this rule if they “deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire.”
A Level 1 offence typically results in a fine on the match fee. However, Level 2 offences carry a more severe penalty of three to four demerit points. Accumulating four demerit points leads to a one-Test suspension.
While the debate continues, the fiery incident added drama to an already intense Test match, with Konstas’ composed reaction and debut heroics capturing headlines alongside Kohli’s aggressive stance.