Australian teenage debutant Sam Konstas and Indian legend Virat Kohli have clashed in wild scenes on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test.
The ICC is certain to take a look at the incident that Channel 7 commentator Ricky Ponting said was initiated by the Indian great.
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Konstas clearly got under the skin of the Indians with a series of outrageous ramp shots during a stunning opening to his Test career.
But during the change of ends after the 10th over, things turned ugly.
Konstas and Kohli bumped into each other with clear contact made in the shoulder region before the pair exchanged words
It wasn’t immediately clear who was at fault, but neither player took a backwards step during the fiery moment.
Fellow opener Usman Khawaja, an amused spectator to Konstas’ batting fireworks, stepped in and put an arm around Kohli as he played peacemaker.
Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli involved in fiery moment. Credit: Channel 7 Another angle of the incident. Credit: Channel 7 Justin Langer said on Channel 7 that it was not a good look, while fellow commentator Ponting said Kohli was clearly the one to blame.
“No good. We don’t like seeing that in any cricket. Plenty will be said about this,” Langer said.
Former Test umpire Simon Taufel added: “This is why both umpires tend to do a pitch hand over at every over. We don’t want to see any physical contact during the game. It tends to get out-of-control.
“You saw the umpires on-screen come together. Basically use their presence in the player’s space to settle things down. To nip things in the bud as it were. Try and tone the match down. A lot of energy. A lot of adrenaline flowing.
“Sam Konstas holding his ground. Virat Kohli did the same thing. It’s something out of nothing. We don’t want to see it continue.”
Langer added: “You don’t certainly like to see that in the game. What I did see was Usman Khawaja cool as a cucumber. Umpires have a role to play but also, so do the senior players.”
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There was heavy contact. Credit: Channel 7 Words were exchanged between the pair. Credit: Channel 7 Ricky Ponting laid the blame firmly on Kohli.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that,” he said.
“We’ve seen a few angles. I agree, they should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together.
“It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, probably wouldn’t know anyone is in front of him. That man (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.
“When you’re out there batting, the batsman owns the wicket. The crease is his. Especially between overs like that.
“There’s no need for fielders or bowlers to be anywhere near the batsman in a situation like that.
“And we’re seeing a replay again of the physical altercation between Konstas and Virat. Look at the way Virat walks. Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
Ricky Ponting’s take on Konstas-Kohli incident
Ricky Ponting’s take on Konstas-Kohli incident After seeing another angle, Taufel said Kohli will have something to answer for.
“This long shot that’s been provided by director is really interesting because it shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas,” he said.
“There’s a clause with the ICC code of conduct that talks about inappropriate physical contact. That’s the clause that the umpires and the referee will be looking at the close of play today. To see whether or not Virat’s actions went into that category. My suggestion would be they’ll be looking at that seriously.”
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7NEWS reporter and former Australian cricketer Theo Doropoulos said Kohli should be sanctioned.
“Kohli absolutely deserves a sanction for this. Cannot be tolerated on the cricket field,” he tweeted.
“Konstas in India’s head like you’ve never seen. They are rattled.
“The best player of a generation acting like he’s the 19-year-old kid.”
Under ICC regulations, any form of inappropriate physical contact is strictly prohibited.
It’s a considered a breach if players deliberately or negligently walk or run into, or shoulder another player.
There is a possibility that Kohli could be suspended for the final Test of the series, but a fine is a more likely outcome.
The moment took the gloss off what was an extraordinary debut innings.
A debut Test innings that’ll live long in the memory.
A debut Test innings that’ll live long in the memory. He played a string of spectacular shots, including three ramp shots off one Jaspirit Bumrah over, to notch an incredible half century.
Konstas was eventually dismissed for 60 off 65 balls when he was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja in the 20th over.
He walked off the MCG to a standing ovation.
Konstas later addressed the incident with Kohli when speaking to Channel 7.
“The emotions got to both of us,” he said.
“I didn’t quite realise (Kohli was coming my way), I was doing my gloves and then the little shoulder charge (happened), but it happens, it’s cricket.”
Sam Konstas chats about his first Test innings.
Sam Konstas chats about his first Test innings.
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