On Day 2 of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, Australian debutant Sam Konstas added drama to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with a cheeky moment that referenced Virat Kohli’s controversial shoulder barge from the previous day. The incident originated on Day 1 when tensions flared during a change of overs.
Virat Kohli, visibly frustrated with Australia’s dominance, shoulder-pushed Sam Konstas, who was confidently taking on the Indian bowlers. Far from being intimidated, the 19-year-old debutant stood his ground, leading to a heated verbal exchange that required umpire intervention.
The act drew widespread criticism from former players and Australian media, accusing Kohli of crossing the line with his aggression. Sam Konstas, however, made the day memorable with a quickfire 60 off 65 balls, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) quickly stepped in, penalizing Kohli with a 20% fine on his match fees and awarding him a demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. Konstas, in his post-match comments, downplayed the incident, attributing it to the intensity of Test cricket and expressing respect for Kohli’s competitive spirit.
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On Day 2, Sam Konstas endeared himself to the MCG crowd by playfully mimicking Kohli’s shoulder barge during a break in play. The gesture, paired with his enthusiastic interaction with fans—including selfies and leading a Viking Clap—highlighted his easy charm and sense of humour. His light-hearted antics contrasted sharply with the seriousness of the previous day’s altercation, earning applause from the stands.
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Australia capitalized on Konstas’ early momentum, posting a commanding 474 in their first innings, anchored by Steve Smith’s brilliant century. India struggled in reply, with Kohli managing only 36 before a costly mix-up led to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out. Despite the setbacks, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar mounted a determined fightback, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
