AUS vs IND (MIR): Ricky Ponting’s double standards in criticizing Virat Kohli as he ignores his own past in fourth Test

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The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne is a highlight of the cricket calendar and this year, it offered an extra dose of drama. The spotlight shined brightly on the 19-year-old rookie Constas himselfwho not only showed his fearless fight against a formidable Indian bowling attack but also got embroiled in a heated confrontation with an Indian stalwart. Virat Kohli. This incident has sparked a wide debate among fans and commentators, especially regarding the nature of competitive spirit in cricket.

A fierce conversation between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas

On December 26, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was buzzing with excitement Australia they faced India in the fourth Test of their series. The day began with Australia opting to bat first, and young Konstas quickly made his mark. His bold style was on full display as he reverse-ramped the deliveries jasprit bumrahleaving the spectators in awe. However, the atmosphere turned electric when Kohli and Konstas had a shoulder clash that ignited tempers on the field.

When the two players crossed paths after the 10th over, Kohli deliberately moved into Konstas’ path, resulting in a physical encounter that caught the attention of everyone in attendance. The two exchanged words, prompting the intervention of Usman Khawaja and field referee Michael Gough to disable the situation. Konstas later played down the altercation, attributing it to the heightened emotions typical of cricket.

READ also: AUS vs IND: Here’s the penalty Virat Kohli received from the ICC for his on-field clash with Sam Konstas

Here is the video:

ancient Australia captain Ricky Ponting he did not hold back in his criticism of Kohli, claiming he had instigated the tackle by intentionally crossing Konstas’ space. Ponting’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions, especially given his own history of fiery clashes on the field. Many fans found it ironic that Ponting criticized Kohli for a physical altercation when he himself was involved in similar incidents during his playing days.

“Look where Virat is walking. Virat walked a full pitch to his right and instigated this matchup. No doubt in my mind. It seemed to me that Konstas was looking very late, he would not even know that there was anyone in front of him. That man on the screen (Kohli) might have some questions to answer.” said Ponting.

A historical perspective on Ponting’s irony

To understand the irony of Ponting’s position, one has to look back to 1998, when he had a notorious clash with India spinner Harbhajan Singh. After being bowled by Harbhajan during a tense match, Ponting reacted aggressively, colliding with the bowler on his way back to the pavilion. This incident marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry between Ponting and Harbhajan, with the Aussie often fighting him in subsequent encounters.

The parallels between these two incidents highlight a recurring theme in cricket: the fine line between competitive spirit and unsportsmanlike conduct. While Kohli’s actions may have seemed provocative to some, they echo the fiery exchanges that have characterized India-Australia matches for decades.

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Day 1 ends with Australia in the lead

As the match progressed, Konstas continued to impress with his batting prowess. He scored a quick 60 runs off just 65 balls before being dismissed Ravindra Jadeja. His performance not only helped stabilize Australia’s innings but also showed his potential as a rising star in Australian cricket. Meanwhile, Kohli’s reputation as a fierce competitor remained intact despite the controversy surrounding his altercation. However, as Day 1 closed with Australia on 311/6, the team found themselves in trouble as they lost wickets in quick succession.

READ also: Twitter Reactions: Lockdown in Melbourne as Australia, India trade blows on Day 1 of fourth Test



 
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