AUS vs IND: Ricky Ponting, Alyssa Healy hit out at Virat Kohli over verbal spat with debutant Sam Konstas
The opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia i India He witnessed an intriguing and controversial altercation between the middle pitch Virat Kohli i Australian debutant Sam Konstas.
Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas clash sparks controversy on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test
The incident unfolded in the first session of play when Konstas, who was making his international debut, aggressively took on the Indian bowling attack, particularly with batsmen like jasprit bumrah. His confident approach and boldness in shots were causing frustration among the Indian bowlers.
However, things escalated when Kohli, known for his fiery persona on the field, deliberately walked into Konstas’ path at the end of the 10th over, leading to a heated exchange of words between the two players. Konstas, who didn’t seem fazed by the encounter, responded with confidence, further escalating the situation. Australian veteran batsman Usman Khawaja he had to intervene to calm the tension, while he was a referee on the field Michael Gough intervened to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli, Sam Konstas exchange heated words after shoulder bump on Day 1 of Melbourne Test
Alyssa Healy’s aggressive response
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to look into the incident, especially given the involvement of two key players in a high-stakes Test match. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Alyssa Healythe captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, expressed his disappointment at Kohli’s behaviour, suggesting that a player of his stature should have maintained a more professional demeanour.
“It’s tricky. Probably more disappointing than anything else that your experienced player, one of your best players, went at the opposition’s youngest player. It doesn’t really set the best tone for your side. But if That’s the approach the Indian team wants to take, so be it. Healy said.
Ricky Ponting points the finger at Kohli’s actions
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting He was also critical of Kohli, pointing out that the Indian star deliberately instigated the clash. During live commentary on 7Cricket, Ponting analyzed the footage, accusing Kohli of deliberately provoking Konstas.
“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.”
Konstas marks a memorable debut fifty
Despite the tense moment, Konstas remained composed and showed remarkable poise during his debut innings. He went on to score a half-century, hitting six boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja towards the end of the session. His fearless approach against Bumrah stood out, especially considering the pressure and opposition. Despite the setback of losing Konstas, Usman Khawaja continued to hold firm at the other end, reaching 57, while Marnus Labuschagne capitalized on his innings to remain unbeaten on 72. Cups taken, Australia sat comfortably at 237/2indicating your domain in the session.
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