MELBOURNE, Australia — In a tense start to the fourth test of the five-match series, former Indian captain Virat Kohli was penalized by the ICC, incurring a fine of 20% of his match fee after a shoulder bump with Australia’s Sam Konstas. This incident occurred during Thursday’s play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Australia ended the day at 311-6.
The Australian innings saw notable contributions from several key players, with teenager Sam Konstas scoring 60 runs and Usman Khawaja adding 57 runs. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 72 runs, and Steve Smith ended the day unbeaten on 68, entertaining a crowd of 87,242 enthusiastic fans. Jasprit Bumrah stood out for India, taking 3 wickets for 75 runs, demonstrating his continued effectiveness against Australia’s batting lineup throughout the series.
The intensity of the match escalated during the 10th over when Kohli and 19-year-old Konstas had a shoulder-to-shoulder collision. The altercation stemmed from Kohli’s frustration over Konstas’ aggressive batting style. Following the incident, the two exchanged words, prompting umpire Michael Gough and Khawaja to intervene.
The ICC subsequently declared Kohli’s fine and issued him one demerit point. In a response to the incident, Konstas remarked that the encounter was accidental, noting, “I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But I think that’s just cricket, just the tension.”
Konstas expressed belief that his bold batting style signifies a shift in test cricket, stating, “I reckon 20 or 30 years ago people would be saying ‘defend a lot, just bat all day,’ but I think there’s a new generation, new shots. It’s exciting for me. I like doing that, putting pressure back on the bowlers.” He also acknowledged that his unconventional batting decisions might appear reckless if they lead to his dismissal.
Reflecting on the competitive atmosphere, he added, “It got heated at times which was good for me. I feel like that brings the best out of me.” Initially showing signs of nerves as he faced Bumrah, Konstas quickly turned the tide by executing several audacious shots, including reverse scoops, leading to his eventual score of 60 runs before being dismissed leg before wicket by Ravindra Jadeja.
Australia reached lunch at 112-1, having established an opening partnership of 89. Khawaja’s half-century—with his dismissal at 154-2—marked a shift in momentum for India as Bumrah capitalized on the opportunity. Although Australia seemed to have control at 237-2, a swift collapse ensued in the middle order. Labuschagne, who had built a solid partnership with Smith, fell to a catch off spinner Washington Sundar, leading to a quick succession of wickets for Australia, including Travis Head’s dismissal for a duck and Mitchell Marsh caught behind.
Towards the end of play, Akash Deep managed to break the Smith-Carey partnership, sending Carey back to the pavilion as they concluded the day with Pat Cummins and Smith at the crease, the latter not out on eight runs. The series now stands tied at 1-1, following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane. The fifth and final test is set to commence on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
