The cricket world has exploded into a frenzy over an Aussie star’s Test debut, but it was a tense moment between the 19-year-old and an Indian veteran that left viewers stunned.
Indian cricket veteran Virat Kohli has come under fire after making contact with an Aussie teen debutant who stole the show on day one of the Boxing Day Test.
Sam Konstas, 19, made his highly-anticipated debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, opening the batting for Australia alongside Usman Khawaja.
The teen gave the packed stadium and viewers at home plenty to cheer for with his array of scoops and smashes, taking on India’s bowlers with little fear and high reward.
But just before Australia reached 50 runs and during a break in between overs, Konstas was walking towards Khawaja to discuss tactics when an incident occurred with Kohli.
Multiple replays showed the 19-year-old in the process of taking off a glove when the former Indian captain appeared to purposely walk into the shoulder of the debutant.
Konstas turned around and responded with some words to Kohli. The teen then walked away before the Indian veteran approached the Aussie in a tense and heated moment.
Khawaja attempted to calm the situation, before an umpired stepped between them.
“No good. We don’t like seeing that in any cricket,” commentator Justin Langer said.
“That is some reply. We are watching something quite extraordinary,” another added.
Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
Five-time ICC Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel said part of an umpire’s job was to also watch what happens between the overs, including player contact.
“We don’t want to see any physical contact during the game. It tends to get out of control. You saw the umpires on-screen come together (to) basically use their presence in the players’ space to settle things down, to nip things in the bud,” he said.
“(They want to) try and tone the match down. A lot of energy. A lot of adrenaline flowing. Sam Konstas holding his ground. Virat Kohli did the same thing.
“It’s something out of nothing. We don’t want to see it continue.”
Langer said he was surprised by Taufel’s belief the incident would be “let go”, but praised Khawaja for his “cool as a cucumber” response by stepping in.
Social media has also exploded over the incident between Konstas and Kohli, with many cricket fans on the side of the Aussie young gun who had left India rattled.
“Virat Kohli picking on a 19 year old but not doing it just verbally, but physically. Tells you a lot about the bloke and how angry he’s been during this series. When he’s not getting his own way he just doesn’t like it,” one viewer wrote to X.
“That was not needed at all from Virat Kohli,” an Indian supporter added.
“Virat Kohli should be either suspended or fined his match payments for that disgraceful action toward Konstas. What a sook!” one fan went as far to suggest.
Another viewer added: “That’s absolutely pathetic from Virat Kohli. What a joke. Walked straight at the kid then acted like Konstas was in the wrong.”
Australia has started strongly thanks to Konstas, who succumbed to an LBW to Ravindra Jadeja before lunch break, with an impressive 60 runs off 65 balls on his debut.
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‘No good’: Indian star’s extraordinary reaction as Aussie teen runs rampant on Test debut – Sky News Australia
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