Melbourne: The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a controversial moment when Indian cricket star Virat Kohli collided with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. The incident, which occurred after the 10th over, has drawn significant attention and could come under the scrutiny of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The collision happened as Kohli, holding the ball, appeared to change his path, resulting in a shoulder bump with Konstas. The young Australian, who was heading towards his batting partner Usman Khawaja, did not take kindly to the contact and exchanged words with Kohli. The situation was quickly defused by Khawaja and on-field umpire Michael Gough.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, commenting on the incident, suggested that Kohli might be in trouble. “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. The umpires and the referee will have a good look at that,” Ponting said on Channel Seven.
Simon Taufel, a former ICC umpire, also weighed in, expecting a review of the incident. “It shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas,” Taufel noted. “There’s a clause in the ICC code of conduct that talks about inappropriate physical contact”.
The ICC’s code of conduct prohibits any form of inappropriate physical contact, and if match referee Andy Pycroft deems it a level two offense, Kohli could face significant penalties, including demerit points.
Konstas, speaking to Fox Sports during a drinks break, downplayed the incident, stating, “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field, but I love competing — and it doesn’t get any better for a debut at this packed stadium”.
As the cricketing world awaits the ICC’s decision, the incident has certainly added an extra layer of drama to an already thrilling Test series.
