Boxing Day Test Drama: Virat Kohli's Confrontation with Konstas Could Lead to Ban
The fourth BGT test in Melbourne saw Indian veteran Virat Kohli getting into a heated moment with young Australian debutant Sam Konstas. The Boxing Day test began on December 26 at MCG. Australia won the toss and chose to bat. The Hosts dominated the first session, with the 19-year-old scoring a half-century in his debut match. Team India is already under pressure and now Virat Kohli may face a fine or maybe a ban for giving Australian Sam Konstas a shoulder bump. The incident occurred during the first session. Virat, whether intentionally or inadvertently, walked into the batter during the first session of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Soon after the two made physical contact, they exchanged a few words before Usman Khawaja and the umpires stepped in. Even though Konstas was eventually dismissed for 60, it did raise questions over whether Virat’s actions were morally correct. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said on a channel, “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.” On the other hand, Sunil Gavaskar stated that moving away doesn’t make you smaller.
“It does not make you smaller to move away. Totally unavoidable. My first reaction was, both were looking down. But it remains to be seen who gets fined more,” said Gavaskar.
As per ICC laws, physical contact during play is considered a Level 2 offence. Additionally, a player may be banned for one Test or two ODIs and/or fined 50% to 100% of the match fees. The event will undoubtedly be closely examined by the match referee Andy Pycroft, and if Virat Kohli is found guilty, he may be forced to miss the Sydney test, endangering India’s hopes.
The first inning of the 4th test saw Sam Konstas scoring a brilliant half-century in 52 balls. He was dismissed at 60 runs. Currently, Australia’s score is 137/1, with Usman Khawaja batting on 51* and Marnus Labuschagne accompanying him.