New Delhi: Tensions flared on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test as India veteran Virat Kohli clashed in the middle of the pitch with debutant Sam Konstas, who became the second youngest Australian to score a half century in the red-ball format.
Australia won the toss and opted to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and 19-year-old Konstas had India rattled, reverse scooping boundaries and sixes to disrupt Jasprit Bumrah’s rhythm.
Bumrah was hit for a six for the first time in 4,483 deliveries and three years in Test cricket as Australia got a bright start and scored quickly.
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
– Ricky Ponting #AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Konstas was beaten several times outside the off stump by Bumrah, but he didn’t let the affect him, and reached his fifty of 52 balls to become the youngest to score a half-century for Australia in Tests at 19 years and 85 days, second only to Ian Craig at 17 years and 240 days against South Africa in Melbourne in 1953.
Mind games
Desperate to break Konstas’ rhythm, Kohli tired to play mind games as he shoulder-bumped the Australia opener, who is the fourth-youngest Test debutant for his country.
While crossing path during the break in between overs, neither swayed away from their line of motion, resulting in a shoulder bump, after which Kohli stopped and turned to engage in an altercation.
Konstas was willing to retaliate, resulting in a verbal exchange as his opening partner Usman Khawaja and umpires intervened to diffuse the tension.
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever,” former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting while working as a commentator.
Match referees often review physical altercations like shoulder bumps and Andy Pycroft could do so to determine if it warrants penalties.
Youngest to score a half-century for Australia in Tests
17y 240d Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953
19y 85d Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024
19y 121d Neil Harvey vs Ind Melbourne 1948
19y 150d Archie Jackson vs Eng Adelaide 1929
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