Later, Konstas dismissed the incident, but Ponting claimed that Kohli “instigated that confrontation” during commentary.
In the opening session of the ongoing MCG Test, Australia’s 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas and India’s veteran batsman Virat Kohli got into a mid-pitch brawl. After the tenth over of the morning, Kohli and Konstas collided as they were crossing the field in between overs.
After a furious back and forth between the two players, Konstas’ opening partner Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough intervened to break up the dispute.Replays revealed that Konstas walked straight from the crease to the other end after the last ball of the 10th over, while Kohli approached from outside the pitch and bumped into him. Konstas later told Channel 7 that the emotions got to both of them. “I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoul
While watching the incident’s replay, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said, “Have a look at where Virat walks.” “Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind, whatsoever.” Former umpire Simon Taufel also discussed the incident with Channel 7, stating that Kohli’s alteration of his path might be considered “inappropriate physical contact” under the ICC’s Code of Conduct.The director’s long shot is particularly intriguing since it depicts Virat Kohli actually altering his route to enter Sam Konstas’ private area. At the end of play today, the umpires and referee will examine a section of the ICC Code of Conduct that addresses inappropriate physical contact to determine whether Virat’s actions are in violation of that clause. Based on my assessment, they will, most likely, take immediate action to address this issue.”
After facing the series’ top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who had removed Nathan McSweeney four times in six innings in the first three Tests, Konstas made his Test debut with an incredible half-century off just fifty-two balls. After being beaten repeatedly, Konstas, who took McSweeney’s position for this Test, battled to 5 off 21 before hitting 27 off 38 when he got into a fight with Kohli. A simpler scoop had brought him four runs after he moved across and flicked the ball over wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, and by that time he had reverse-scooped Bumrah for a six over the slips.Konstas scored 34 off 33 against Bumrah and 20 off 19 against Mohammed Siraj before finishing on 60 off 65 with six fours and two sixes. Test matches between India and Australia have had a history of high-intensity altercations and controversies, particularly involving Kohli, who once collided with opposing captain Tim Paine in 2018 while he was captain and faced Mitchell Johnson in a duel to score an incredible century in Adelaide in 2014.
