The Boxing Day Test at the MCG witnessed high drama as senior Indian batter Virat Kohli was criticized for a shoulder bump with Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas. The incident unfolded amidst an electrifying atmosphere, with the young Australian creating waves through his aggressive batting display.
Known for his fearless “see ball, hit ball” approach, Konstas had been unsettling Indian pacers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, with audacious shots like ramp flicks and elegant drives. Tensions boiled over during an over break when Kohli and Konstas crossed paths near the pitch. Neither player yielded, resulting in a deliberate shoulder bump. Kohli turned to confront the teenager, sparking a brief verbal exchange.
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The heated moment drew Usman Khawaja’s attention, who stepped in to defuse the situation, placing an arm around Kohli while match officials intervened. On commentary, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting called Kohli’s move intentional, remarking, “Virat walked an entire pitch width to instigate that confrontation.”
Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Undeterred by the clash, Konstas let his bat do the talking. Off the very next delivery, he confidently stepped back and drove Bumrah to the long-off boundary. The 19-year-old displayed remarkable poise under pressure, racing to his half-century in just 52 balls. His knock of 60 runs, peppered with powerful strokes, made him the youngest Australian in over seven decades to achieve a fifty in Test cricket.
Contact is direct and forceful, no attempt to wrap the arm, no mitigating factors. Virat Kohli should be in the sin bin for 10 & facing a 3-4 week suspension #AUSvIND
pic.twitter.com/eiNoIrgeC4— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) December 26, 2024
Konstas had openly declared his intent to attack ahead of the match, and he lived up to his promise before a packed crowd of nearly 90,000. Despite his evident weakness against nip-backers, he dominated the Indian bowlers with a fearless approach. Bumrah conceded a six after 4,483 deliveries and three years since Cameron Green hit him for one in Sydney in 2021. Remarkably, Konstas achieved this feat with a reverse ramp just 23 balls into his debut innings.
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Physical altercations like shoulder bumps have historically invited scrutiny from match officials. Andy Pycroft, the match referee, may review the incident to determine if it warrants penalties. Previous infractions of this nature have resulted in reprimands and demerit points under the ICC Code of Conduct
