MELBOURNE, Australia — Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli may be facing repercussions after a shoulder bump with Australia’s Sam Konstas during an intense start to the fourth test of the five-match series on Thursday. Following Australia’s decision to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they finished the day at 311 runs with six wickets taken.
Notable contributions came from Konstas, who scored 60 runs, as well as half-centuries from Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68 not out), all playing in front of a crowd exceeding 87,000. Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah was effective once again, claiming 3 wickets for 75 runs, showing his skill against Australia’s batters throughout this series.
Tension escalated at the close of the 10th over when Kohli and 19-year-old Konstas collided shoulder to shoulder. The incident occurred as Kohli walked past Konstas, whose aggressive batting style was becoming a source of irritation for the Indian team. Following the contact, both players exchanged words, prompting Kohli to return towards Konstas. Umpire Michael Gough and Khawaja intervened swiftly to calm the situation.
The Indian team’s assistant coach, Abishek Nayar, mentioned that he couldn’t verify reports claiming that Kohli had accepted a 20% fine of his match fee. He indicated that he had missed the incident, having been engaged in another conversation at the time. “In a game like this, emotions are always running high, but I doubt it is as significant as it seems,” he commented.
Konstas described the encounter as an “accidental” collision, stating he was merely adjusting his gloves when Kohli bumped him. He framed the tension as a facet of cricket that reflects the competitive spirit of the game. The debutant expressed that his approach to batting aligns with a new trend in test cricket where aggressive play is celebrated, as opposed to the traditional mindset of defense.
Konstas reflected, “Twenty or thirty years ago, players would have been advised to bat conservatively, but now we’re seeing a new generation with a flair for dynamic shots.” He acknowledged that attempting flashy shots carries risks, especially if it leads to his downfall. However, he embraces this challenge, suggesting that youthful audacity can bring out his best performance.
Regarding the verbal exchanges with India’s bowlers, Konstas noted, “It got heated at times, which I think is beneficial for me. It genuinely brings out the best in me.” Nayar praised the resilience of India’s bowlers, indicating they managed to regroup effectively after Konstas spearheaded Australia’s scoring in the match’s early stages.
The 19-year-old appeared anxious as he played and missed multiple balls in Bumrah’s first over, but he soon regained his footing by executing a series of audacious reverse scoops, fetching both boundaries and a six. Konstas was instrumental in an opening partnership of 89 runs before being dismissed by spinner Ravindra Jadeja after a vigorous 65-ball innings. By lunchtime, Australia was in a strong position at 112 runs for the loss of just one wicket.
Khawaja secured his first half-century of the series before falling to Bumrah, who claimed another victim when Labuschagne attempted a lofted shot but was caught, stalling Australia’s momentum at 237-2. The innings shifted dramatically as Bumrah captured three middle-order wickets after Travis Head was dismissed without scoring, followed by Mitchell Marsh for four runs.
Akash Deep then ended a promising partnership between Smith and Alex Carey (31) by taking another catch behind the stumps. At the end of the day’s play, Pat Cummins provided solid support with eight runs not out, as Australia ended the first day of the test with a score of 311-6.
The series stands evenly poised at 1-1 following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane, with the fifth and final test set to commence on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
