NEW DELHI: Melbourne witnessed high-octane cricket and heated moments during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where Virat Kohli’s shoulder bump incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas became a major talking point.
Konstas, in his very first Test appearance, stunned the cricketing world with a fearless display against India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The young batter executed a daring ramp shot for six over wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s head, leaving the Indian team momentarily stunned.However, tensions boiled over at the end of the 10th over when Kohli brushed shoulders with Konstas. The heated exchange that followed saw Usman Khawaja step in to diffuse the situation.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke weighed in on the incident, suggesting Kohli’s reaction stemmed from frustration at the respect – or lack thereof – shown to Bumrah.
“Virat is such a tough player. He will not take a backward step and never has throughout his whole career. I think Virat was getting frustrated with the lack of respect that Sam was showing as the best bowler in the world in Bumrah,” Clarke remarked on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast.
Despite the fiery exchange, Clarke defended Kohli’s character, adding, “I am sure he would have spoken to Sam after the game. Virat is a great guy. He is not a nasty person. I think it was Virat sticking up for his team.”
Konstas went on to score an impressive 60 off 65 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes, before falling to Ravindra Jadeja. Australia secured a commanding 184-run victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
In the same game, another Indian star emerged – Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose maiden Test century came at a critical juncture for India. Clarke praised the 21-year-old all-rounder, calling him a “genius” and advocating for his promotion in the batting order. “He has not feared any Australian bowler. He bats, bowls, and fields. This guy is a very good find for the Indian cricket team,” Clarke added.
