Melbourne: India’s star batsman Virat Kohli and Australia’s young player Sam Konstas had a physical altercation on the first day of the fourth Test on Thursday, but the 19-year-old, who was making his home debut, played down the incident. After the 10th over of Australia’s innings, the players were crossing the over. Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders as they crossed the pitch.
Both players quickly turned to look at each other and engaged in a heated exchange with Konstas’ teammate Usman Khawaja to separate them. The umpires on the field also had a conversation with the two. “I think the emotions got to both of us,” Konstas later told ‘Channel 7’. “I didn’t quite understand, I was doing my gloves, then a bit of a shoulder charge, but that happens in cricket,” he added.
Konstas, who was batting for 27 runs at that time, hit Jasprit Bumrah for two fours and a six in the next over. Kishore scored a brilliant half-century on debut before Ravindra Jadeja dropped him leg before wicket.
Oz Media said Kohli could face disciplinary action
Konstas may have dismissed it as routine but former Australia captain Ricky Ponting accused Kohli of instigating the exchange. He said that Kohli may face disciplinary action for this. “Look where Virat walks. Virat walked a full pitch to his right and that provoked the collision. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Ponting said, watching a replay of the incident on Channel 7.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and referees will have a good look at that. Fielders shouldn’t be close to the batsman at that stage. “It struck me that Konstas looked really late, nobody knew. in front of him. That man on the screen (Kohli) might have some questions to answer,” Ponting added.
According to a report in ‘cricket.com.au’ match referee Andy Pycroft is certain to review the incident. The ICC Code of Conduct states that “Inappropriate physical contact of any kind is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will be in breach of this rule if they intentionally, recklessly and/or negligently shoulder or run into another player or umpire”.
A Level 1 offense will mean a match fee penalty. However, a Level 2 offense carries a penalty of three to four demerit points. Four demerit marks will result in suspension of one test.