India’s Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and awarded a demerit point following a heated altercation with Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The incident occurred after Konstas’ aggressive innings of 60, which had visibly frustrated the Indian team.
Australia, after electing to bat, posted a solid 311/6 by stumps, with Konstas among the four Australians to score half-centuries. His performance, alongside Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68*), helped Australia remain in control of the match in front of a packed crowd of 87,242 spectators.
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The confrontation between Kohli and Konstas took place after the 10th over when the two players collided shoulder to shoulder. This was followed by a verbal exchange, with Kohli seemingly angered by Konstas’ bold stroke play. Umpire Michael Gough and Australia’s Khawaja intervened to calm the situation. The altercation was deemed a Level 2 offence by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which deals with inappropriate or intentional physical contact between players.
Despite the incident, Konstas remained unshaken, focusing on his game. “Whatever happens on the field stays on the field,” said the 19-year-old. His promising debut innings was cut short by an LBW dismissal from Ravindra Jadeja, but Konstas’ contribution helped Australia reach 112/1 at lunch.
Kohli’s actions drew criticism from commentators, including former India captain Ravi Shastri, who called the incident “absolutely unnecessary.” Meanwhile, India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah continued his strong form with 3/75, offering some resistance to Australia’s top order.
