Australia vs India: Sam Konstas hits half-century on debut to put hosts on top

One of the images of the day was Kohli, 36, barging into Konstas after the Australian had clubbed the India bowlers around the ground.

Kohli appeared to change direction to make contact with Konstas, who was walking down the pitch to speak to his opening batting partner Khawaja.

Speaking to host broadcaster Seven Network, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting says Kohli was probably to blame.

“That man [Kohli] might have a few questions to answer,” Ponting said.

“When you’re out there batting, the batsman owns the wicket. The crease is his. Especially between overs like that.”

Konstas played down the incident at the end of the day, saying: “I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But that’s just cricket, the tension.”

The International Cricket Council can suspend players for “inappropriate physical contact” if deemed serious enough, though it is not yet clear whether either player will face any further action.

That incident summed up what was set to be a chastening day for India, who grew visibly frustrated as the Australian top order collectively found form.

But that late burst of wickets, led by the irrepressible Bumrah, dragged the visitors back into the game.

Labuschagne was looking well-placed to reach three figures before he charged spinner Washington Sundar, recalled in place of Shubman Gill, and clipped the ball straight to Kohli at mid-off.

Travis Head, scorer of two centuries in his previous three innings, departed for a duck after shouldering arms to a Bumrah delivery that nipped back and clipped the top of his off stump.

Two overs later Marsh attempted a heave across the line but could only edge through to Carey for Bumrah’s third wicket of the day and 24th of the series.

Deep then made the most of a late burst with the new ball with a beauty of a delivery that feathered Carey’s edge.