Sam-Kohli incident & hot weather sizzles MCG amid 87,242 spectators

 

MELBOURNE, 26 December 2024: Day-one of the Boxing Day Test was marred by an verbal exchange between 19-year-old Australian debutant, Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli amid the match. The rather unpleasant incident was later described by Sam as both of them getting emotional. Reports indicate Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The sizzling Boxing Day match with the temperature soaring attracted a record 87,242 spectators. It was a sold-out match and trains moving towards the MCG were over crowded early morning. It was predicted the estimated attendance to be 100,000, but it looked a few thousand decided to escape the heat.

An impressive Boxing Day Test Summer Festival at the Yarra Park (in front of the stadium) saw Indian food (including samosas) live Indian DJ music, dances, Henna, discounted Kayo, Qantas Gilli-Danda, turban tying, mural painting, and live match on big screen with lots of shade.

Sam Konstas, Australia’s newly emerged cricket star, called supernova by a media group, talked to Seven Cricket about his performance and much more.

 

Seven’s Ricky Ponting said, “I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. We’ve seen a few angles. I agree, fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late. Wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.”

Seven’s Simon Taufel said, “This long shot that’s been provided by the director is really interesting because it shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas. Now, there’s a clause within the ICC Code of Conduct that talks about inappropriate physical contact and that’s the clause that the umpires and the referee will be looking at, at close of play today to see whether or not Virat’s actions fall into that category and my suggestion would be that they’ll probably – looking at that seriously – more than likely do something about that now.”

ANI adds:

Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred on the first day of the Melbourne Test when Kohli made physical contact with Australia’s debutant by bumping his shoulder after the 10th over, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. Australia’s Usman Khawaja intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation, according to the ICC.

Under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match)” is prohibited.

Kohli accepted the sanction proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, thereby avoiding a formal hearing. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.

Meanwhile, Konstas, who impressed on his Test debut by scoring 60 off 65 balls with six fours and two sixes, downplayed the altercation during the post-day press conference.

“I was just doing my gloves, and I think he accidentally bumped me,” Konstas said, as quoted by the ICC.
“I think that is just cricket, just the tension. For me, it’s about having that freedom, backing myself, and trying to bring out the best version of me. I was lucky enough to get a few runs today,” he added.

Konstas’ dynamic batting stood out as he fearlessly took on India’s premier bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. However, his innings ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw, breaking an 89-run opening partnership.

All four of Australia’s top-order batters scored half-centuries, though none converted them into substantial scores. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68 as Australia finished Day 1 at 311/6. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 75 runs

By SAT Sports Desk + 7 Cricket + ANI

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