Kohli Fined for Shoulder Bump Incident with Australia’s Konstas in Boxing Day Test
India’s star batter Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fees following an on-field clash with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday. The incident, which occurred at the end of the 10th over on the first day of the fourth Test, saw Kohli involved in a shoulder bump with the 19-year-old Australian opener.
What Happened?
The altercation unfolded as Konstas walked down the pitch to speak with his opening partner Usman Khawaja. As the two crossed paths, Kohli and Konstas collided shoulders, exchanged heated words, and had to be separated by umpire Michael Gough and Khawaja. The interaction drew boos from the MCG crowd and sparked a wave of reactions both on and off the field.
Disciplinary Action
Match referee Andy Pycroft found Kohli guilty of breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct for “inappropriate physical contact.”
- Kohli accepted the penalty without the need for a formal hearing.
- He was fined 20% of his match fees and incurred one demerit point on his disciplinary record.
- Kohli remains eligible to play the fifth Test in Sydney.
The ICC statement clarified:
“No formal hearing was needed as Kohli accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft.”
Reactions to the Incident
The moment drew criticism from former players and commentators.
- Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, stated:
“That man (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer. When you’re out there batting, the batsman owns the wicket. The crease is his.”
- Michael Vaughan, former England captain, echoed Ponting’s sentiments:
“Virat Kohli is such an experienced pro, being wound up by a 19-year-old. It’s Virat that walks into Sam.”
Despite the incident, Konstas appeared unfazed, smashing Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in the following over, including a six and multiple boundaries. He later downplayed the clash, saying:
“I think he accidentally bumped me, but I think that’s just cricket, just the tension.”
The Context
Kohli, struggling for form after a century in the series opener in Perth, has managed only 21 runs in his last three innings. His frustration might have been exacerbated by missed chances early in the day:
- Konstas survived a near catch off Bumrah that fell short in the slips.
- Kohli openly laughed at Konstas after the debutant botched two attempts to scoop Bumrah behind the wicket. However, Konstas succeeded on subsequent attempts, scoring boundaries with a T20-style shot.
Konstas Shines Despite the Drama
The 19-year-old Australian, replacing Nathan McSweeney in the lineup, impressed on debut. He scored a quickfire 60 off 65 balls, showcasing composure and aggressive shot-making. Konstas was eventually dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, trapped lbw before lunch.
India’s Day 1 Struggles
Australia closed Day 1 at 311 for six, dominating the first day’s play. With temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F), the intense heat and pressure added to the drama on the field.
India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar downplayed the incident, saying:
“Emotions are natural in a big game, but I’m pretty sure it’s not as big as it seems.”
The clash between Kohli and Konstas added a layer of drama to what was already a fiercely contested series. As the focus shifts to Day 2, both teams will aim to build on their performances in the pivotal Test.
