Virat Kohli has found himself at the centre of Australian crowd hostility during the Boxing Day Test following an altercation with debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1. The jeers reached a crescendo when Kohli was dismissed on Day 2 during India’s first innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia, under Pat Cummins’ leadership, posted a formidable 474 in their first innings, with Steve Smith starring yet again with a magnificent century—his second of the series.
India’s reply was fraught with challenges, as they ended Day 2 at 164/5, still trailing by a significant margin. Kohli’s innings on Day 2 was a mix of grit and elegance. Displaying newfound discipline, he resisted the temptation to chase deliveries outside the off-stump—a weakness that has plagued him recently.
His partnership with young Yashasvi Jaiswal added a vital 102 runs for the third wicket, stabilizing the Indian innings after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24). While Kohli enthralled fans with some classic cover drives and cuts, disaster struck when a mix-up led to Jaiswal’s run-out after an impressive 82 off 118 balls.
WATCH – Nathan Lyon’s Stunning Catch Dismisses Akash Deep: Boxing Day Test Drama Unfolds
The momentum shifted further when Kohli edged a wide delivery from Scott Boland to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, departing for 36 runs off 86 balls. His knock included four boundaries and a glimpse of his trademark confidence.
Virat Kohli almost recreated that incident with a CSK fan at Wankhede 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/35qDBKxuv3
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) December 27, 2024
As Kohli walked back, a chorus of boos echoed through the MCG. The hostility didn’t end there—inside the tunnel, a spectator’s verbal jab seemed to provoke Kohli, who turned around to confront the individual. However, an MCG official intervened, calming the situation as security stepped in to ensure no further escalation. The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with Indian fans rallying behind their star batter.
WATCH – Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Suicidal Run-Out Ends After A Costly Mix-Up In Boxing Day Test
Reflecting on the day, Australian skipper Pat Cummins lauded his team’s efforts, especially Smith’s dominance and the late breakthroughs that shifted the game in their favor. “Breaking the 100-run partnership between Kohli and Jaiswal was key,” Cummins remarked. He also praised Scott Boland for his consistent impact, noting, “Scotty was awesome as always. Every time he comes into the side, he delivers.”
Australia now holds a firm grip on the match, eyeing a decisive lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
