-By ArdorComm News Network
December 27, 2024
Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received a demerit point under the ICC Code of Conduct following a heated exchange with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The incident unfolded during the break between the 10th and 11th overs on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. Kohli and the 19-year-old Konstas collided shoulder-to-shoulder while the Australian batter was changing ends with Usman Khawaja. Replays indicated that Kohli appeared to intentionally hold his line, while Konstas, focused on adjusting his gloves, inadvertently crossed his path.
After the match, Kohli admitted to the offense before match referee Andy Pycroft and accepted the sanctions. The ICC issued a statement clarifying the violation of its Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact.
The fiery exchange sparked mixed reactions. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri criticised Kohli’s actions, calling them “absolutely unnecessary” on local radio. Meanwhile, fans and cricket analysts debated the intensity of the India-Australia rivalry, with emotions running high in a critical series decider.
Konstas, who made an impressive debut by scoring a maiden half-century, played down the altercation. “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t even realise it at the moment. It happens in cricket,” he remarked in a post-match interview.
The young Australian went on to score 60 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, helping Australia post a competitive first-innings score. The Test remains tightly contested, with tensions adding to the drama of the historic rivalry between the two cricketing giants.
Source: The Business today
Photo Credit: The Business today