The Melbourne Test: How a Collision Between Kohli and Konstas Captured the Essence of Australia-India Rivalry
CricketPanditAustralia’s rivalry with India took a physical turn when Virat Kohli collided with 19-year-old Australian batter Sam Konstas on Thursday (December 26, 2024) during the opening morning of the fourth test. After opting to bat first in the sweltering heat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia found themselves in a strong position at 112-1 by lunch. Konstas shone in his debut, scoring a bold 60 off 65 balls during an opening partnership of 89 before being dismissed lbw by spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
Tensions flared at the end of the 10th over when Kohli and Konstas collided shoulder to shoulder as Kohli walked past the young batter, whose aggressive play had drawn plenty of banter from the fielding side.
Following the incident, Konstas and Kohli exchanged words, prompting Kohli to approach Konstas again. Australia’s Usman Khawaja quickly intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Konstas’s arm and then wrapping a friendly arm around the 36-year-old Kohli to diffuse the situation. “Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that,” former Australia captain Ricky Ponting commented on Australia’s Channel Seven. Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted on Fox Cricket that Kohli might face scrutiny from the match referee, stating, “It’s Kohli that goes off line and he walks into Sam.”
Earlier in the match, Konstas appeared anxious, having played and missed four times in the opening over bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. However, showcasing youthful bravery, he executed three daring reverse scoops over slips in Bumrah’s fourth over, scoring two fours and a six. At lunch, Khawaja remained unbeaten on 38, while Marnus Labuschagne was on 12. Australia’s captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first on a green-tinged pitch under the hot sun. The five-match series stands level at 1-1 following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane. Australia made two changes to the team that dominated the drawn test, recalling seamer Scott Boland in place of Josh.
