A physical altercation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas marked the opening morning of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.
India vs Australia 4th Test Live
Nineteen-year-old debutant Konstas played a daring innings, scoring 60 off 65 balls. He shared an 89-run opening partnership with Usman Khawaja.
Konstas’s innings ended when he was given out lbw to Ravindra Jadeja.
The on-field tension escalated at the end of the 10th over. A shoulder-to-shoulder collision occurred between Kohli and Konstas.
Konstas’s aggressive batting style had drawn comments from the Indian fielders, adding to the charged atmosphere.
Following the collision, Kohli and Konstas exchanged words. Kohli then began to approach Konstas again.
Usman Khawaja intervened, stepping between the two players. He calmed the situation by patting Konstas’s arm and putting a friendly arm around Kohli.
“Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that,” said Ricky Ponting in commentary for Channel Seven. “It’s Kohli that goes off line and he walks into Sam,” he added.
After his stay in the middle ended, Konstas spoke to the host broadcaster and was questioned about the incident. He said, “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket. Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field,” to brush things off.
Earlier in the match, Konstas displayed both nerves and audacity. He played and missed four times in the first over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.
However, in Bumrah’s fourth over, Konstas showcased his fearless approach. He executed three reverse scoops over the slips, resulting in two fours and a six.
At lunch, Khawaja was 38 not out and Marnus Labuschagne was on 12 with Australia 112/1.
Australian captain Pat Cummins had opted to bat first on a pitch with a green tinge.
The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1 following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane.
Australia made two changes to their team from the drawn Brisbane Test.
Scott Boland replaced Josh Hazlewood, who sustained a calf strain. Konstas came in for struggling opener Nathan McSweeney.
India selected a bowling-heavy lineup, including offspinner Washington Sundar, providing them with six bowling options.
The series carries significant weight as Australia and India are currently ranked second and third respectively in the World Test Championship standings.
Both teams are vying for a spot in the World Test Championship Final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s.
South Africa, currently ranked first, are concurrently playing a two-Test series against Pakistan, also commencing on Thursday.
The fifth and final Test between Australia and India is set for January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
