As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 moved into the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, things started to hit up pretty quickly. It was on display early in the first session of the Test when Virat Kohli had a heated exchange with Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas.
The said incident happened after the 10th over of Australia’s innings. Konstas was walking towards the other end when he and Kohli bumped into each other.
Then both players engaged in a brief altercation before on-field umpire Michael Gough and Australia’s opener Usman Khawaja stepped in. Both on-field umpires then spiralled down the tension by having a word with Kohli and Konstas
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
Replays Show Kohli’s Intentional Move
When the broadcaster showed the replays of the whole incident, it emerged that Kohli purposefully bumped into the debutant.
After the 10th over ended, Konstas was seen walking towards Khawaja on the other end. Kohli, though, changed his direction towards the batter while tossing the ball in his hand and bumped his shoulders into him.
Ricky Ponting, who was commentating at that moment, wasn’t pleased with how the whole incident unfolded. He pointed out Kohli’s fault in this altercation and said, “Have a look where Virat walks. Virat has walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
When asked about the incident, Konstas told Channel 7, “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket.”
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Kohli May Get Penalised
Australia’s broadcaster, Channel 7, also spoke with former ICC Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel about the incident. Taufel said Kohli’s intentional move may attract a penalty from the match referee for “inappropriate physical contact” under the ICC’s Code of Conduct.
The on-field umpires and the match referee will have a close look at Kohli’s conduct during the altercation. If Kohli’s intentional bump falls under the inappropriate physical contact category, then the match referee will impose a penalty on the star Indian batter.
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Sam Konstas’ had a Stunning Test Debut
Playing his first Test, Konstas struggled for a while before nailing his reverse scoops for four and six against Bumrah’s bowling. These scoops relieved him a bit and gave him the rhythm to score runs, especially against Bumrah.
Following the heated exchange with Kohli, Konstas charged up against Bumrah, hitting him for a six and four in the next over. The 19-year-old batter raced to his maiden fifty off 52 balls before falling for 60 off 65. Jadeja trapped Konstas LBW out to end his maiden Test innings.
