On the first morning of the First Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), an on-field altercation took place between Indian batsman Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas. The incident occurred after an over when Konstas, who was aggressively playing against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, crossed paths with Kohli. The Indian batter veered towards Konstas, leading to a brief but intense exchange of words.
Kohli and Konstas Clash
The altercation began when the two players seemingly collided as the fielders changed ends. Kohli appeared to move towards Konstas, which resulted in the collision. This was followed by an exchange of words, with Kohli giving Konstas a cold stare. Australian opener Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpires quickly intervened to diffuse the situation and prevent it from escalating further.
Reactions from Pundits
The incident did not sit well with many cricket pundits. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was commentating, said, “He’s been rattled by a 19-year-old. Sam Konstas did absolutely nothing wrong there. Virat veered towards him.” Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting echoed similar sentiments, stating that Kohli had walked across the pitch to instigate the confrontation. The incident raised questions about Kohli’s conduct on the field.
Sam Konstas Stands Tall
Despite the heated exchange, Sam Konstas remained calm and composed. The young Australian debutant went on to play a fantastic innings, scoring 60 runs off 65 balls. Konstas became the youngest Australian opener to score a half-century in Test cricket. His performance was a standout moment in the match, as he proved his skill under pressure.
ICC Code of Conduct and Possible Consequences for Kohli
The incident sparked discussions about whether Kohli could face disciplinary action under the ICC Code of Conduct. According to Article 2.12 of the ICC Code, any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited. If Kohli’s actions are deemed to have been deliberate or reckless, he could face a Level 1 or Level 2 charge. The severity of the penalty would depend on factors like the force of the contact, whether it resulted in any injury, and the identity of the person involved.
Potential Penalties for Kohli
If found guilty, Kohli could face a penalty ranging from a fine to a suspension. A Level 1 offense could result in a fine of up to 25% of his match fees, while a Level 2 offense could lead to four demerit points, which could force him to miss a Test match. The severity of the punishment will depend on the findings of the disciplinary review.
A Controversial Start to the Test
The altercation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas added a layer of controversy to the opening day of the First Day Test. While Konstas impressed with his debut performance, Kohli’s actions raised questions about discipline and sportsmanship on the field. As the matter awaits review, it has sparked debates about the conduct of players and the importance of maintaining professionalism in the game.
