The ICC has reportedly penalized Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli for a shoulder bump with Australian debutant Sam Konstas on the first day of the 4th Test in Melbourne on Thursday. According to a Cricbuzz report, Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee, and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record.
The incident occurred after the conclusion of the 10th over of the Australian innings when Kohli and Konstas collided while crossing paths.
An irritated Sam Konstas confronted Virat Kohli following the collision, but the situation was quickly diffused by Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpire.
Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time of the incident, responded emphatically in the next over bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, smashing two fours and a six.
“Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me; that’s cricket, and it can happen in the heat of the moment,” Konstas told reporters.
Speaking to Channel 7 during the second session, he added, “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realize it at first—I was fixing my gloves—and then came a little shoulder charge. But these things happen in cricket.”
According to the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, the incident falls under Law 2.12, which addresses “Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match.”
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting opined that Virat Kohli initiated the altercation.
“Look at where Virat walks. He’s moved an entire pitch width to his right to instigate that confrontation. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Ponting stated on Channel 7.
Konstas had a memorable start to his Test career with a brilliant half-century, scoring 60 off 65 balls. His innings included six fours and two sixes.
At stumps on the opening day, Australia reached 311/6 in 86 overs, with Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Sam Konstas, and Usman Khawaja all contributing half-centuries.
Source: News 18
Read the latest and breaking Hindi news | English News on अब पाएं सबसे निष्पक्ष, विश्वसनीय और तेज खबरें, सिर्फ WWW.THEINSIGHTTODAY.COM पर।. Get live Hindi news about India and the World from politics, sports, bollywood, business, cities, lifestyle, astrology, spirituality, jobs and much more..Read Latest News on your Mobile app so Download Mobile app The Insight Today