Kohli Faces Scrutiny After On-Field Clash with Teen Sensation Konstas

by The_unmuteenglish

Melbourne, Dec. 26 – Virat Kohli came under scrutiny during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne after a shoulder bump with Australia’s 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas sparked tension at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. Despite the clash, Konstas showcased an impressive display, leaving little room for India’s bowlers to breathe.

The incident occurred as Konstas, dominating India’s attack, walked down the pitch for a chat with opening partner Usman Khawaja at the end of the 10th over. Kohli, walking in the opposite direction, bumped shoulders with the teenager, prompting the two players to exchange words. Umpire Michael Gough and Khawaja intervened to de-escalate the situation.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, providing commentary for Seven Network, held Kohli responsible. “That man [Kohli] might have a few questions to answer. When you’re out there batting, the batsman owns the wicket. Especially between overs like that,” Ponting remarked.

Echoing similar sentiments, former England captain Michael Vaughan added on Fox Cricket, “Virat Kohli is such an experienced pro, being wound up by a 19-year-old. It’s Virat that walks into Sam.”

The teenager seemed unbothered by the confrontation. Konstas responded on the field by smashing Jasprit Bumrah for four on the next delivery, followed by a six straight over Bumrah’s head, racking up 18 runs in the over.

During a drinks break, Konstas dismissed the incident in a Fox Cricket interview, saying, “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field. I love competing. It doesn’t get any better for a debut at a packed stadium.”

It remains unclear whether the International Cricket Council (ICC) will take disciplinary action. The ICC prohibits “inappropriate physical contact,” with potential suspensions for serious offences.

The clash underscored a challenging period for Kohli, who broke a lean patch with a century in the series opener in Perth but has managed only 21 runs in three innings since. His frustrations may have been compounded by Konstas surviving an edge off Bumrah earlier in the day, the ball falling just short in the slips.

Adding to Kohli’s frustrations, Konstas appeared to mock him after initially botching two scoops off Bumrah but subsequently connected for three consecutive boundaries. The debutant’s aggressive play further piled pressure on India, as he also hammered Mohammed Siraj to all parts of the ground.

Konstas’ remarkable innings ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw for 60 off 65 balls just before lunch, leaving his mark as Australia pushed ahead in the first session.

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