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On Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas Clash, BCCI President Roger Binny Makes Feelings Clear: “You Have To…”
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas clashed on Day 1.© X (Twitter)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny reflected on the on-field altercation between star India batter Virat Kohli and Australia’s debutant batter Sam Konstas on the first day of fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), saying that such things happen on the field and one must just accept it and move on. Konstas’ much-anticipated debut in Australia turned out to be one of the most entertaining in a long while. Not only did the 19-year-old make headlines by toying with Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and scoring 34 of his 60 runs against him, but Virat also got involved in a heated exchange with the youngster after bumping into him, making a direct physical shoulder-to-shoulder contact.
The 36-year-old was fined 20 per cent of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and handed over one demerit point for this altercation.
Speaking to ANI about the altercation, Binny said, “I did not see the incident (Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas incident), but these things happen on the cricket ground. You have to accept it and carry on. See that the game goes on. That is important.”
Following the game in the post-day presser, Konstas simply said that Virat accidentally bumped into him.
“I was just adjusting my gloves, and I think he accidentally bumped me. But I think that is just cricket, just the tension,” he said.
Binny also lauded India for taking four wickets in the final session of day one and backed the batters to come into the party soon to complement the bowlers who have been bowling well.
“India did well in the final session to grab those quick four wickets and with that, we have come back into the match. Now it looks very interesting for India, so hopefully, it will be a good game from now onwards… They had a good first Test match, then a bad second Test match, but they came back… They have been bowling well. I think batters should kick it,” he concluded.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
BCCI President Roger Binny recently weighed in on the heated clash between Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and Australian cricketer Sam Konstas during a recent match. In a statement to the press, Binny made his feelings clear on the incident, stating, “You have to maintain sportsmanship on the field at all times.”The incident in question occurred when Kohli and Konstas got into a heated argument on the field, with both players exchanging words and gestures. The altercation quickly escalated, resulting in tensions running high between the two teams.
Binny’s comments come as a reminder to all players that maintaining sportsmanship and respect on the field is of utmost importance. As the head of the BCCI, Binny’s words carry weight and serve as a reminder to players that such behavior will not be tolerated.
It is important for players to remember that cricket is a gentleman’s game, and such clashes only serve to tarnish the spirit of the sport. Binny’s statement serves as a timely reminder for players to uphold the values of sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the field.
As fans and spectators, we can only hope that incidents like these are few and far between, and that players can learn from such instances to ensure that the spirit of the game is always upheld.
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Virat Kohli combusts and Steve Smith steps up as India and Australia’s veterans take centre stage at the MCG
It has been 10 years since Australia last beat India in a Test series, home or away.
That series, which Australia took out 2-0 but was relatively close throughout, saw the first official bat-off between two men who would dominate Test cricket for the next decade.
Both Steve Smith and Virat Kohli each made four centuries in that four-Test series. A 26-year-old Kohli finished up with 692 runs at an average of 86.50, while 25-year-old Smith incredibly topped that with 769 runs at 128.16.
That series came just as Joe Root and Kane Williamson were beginning their ascents too, and it had the very tangible feeling of the start of something.
Ten years on and those same two men, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, are fronting up on the other side of their imperious decades no less essential.
At the MCG in December of 2024, as eyes are naturally drawn to the young men at the opposite end of their careers, Smith and Kohli still hold their country’s fate in their hands.
If this Test might end up deciding the series, the battle within it between Smith and Kohli might end up deciding the match.
And on day two, one rose to the occasion and the other spectacularly imploded.
Virat Kohli of India leaves the field after being dismissed by Scott Boland of Australia during day two of the men’s fourth Test match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
In the space of about six manic minutes late in the afternoon session, Kohli took all of India’s previous good work and set it on fire, promptly handing Australia back its advantage just when the hosts were starting to wobble.
First there was a run-out, entirely out of the blue as these things often are.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, on 82 and in total command of the Australian attack, hit a ball hard to Pat Cummins at mid-on and immediately set off for a single.
Kohli saw Jaiswal coming but was caught on his heels, promptly turning around to examine the merits of Jaiswal’s decision before looking back to see his partner was already coming.
In that split second, Kohli made the decision that he didn’t think he could get through for a single safely. Whether his assessment was correct — and it wouldn’t have mattered, as Cummins’s throw missed the stumps anyway — it wasn’t his call to make.
It was his job to be backing up and ready for Jaiswal’s call to run, but instead he overruled him and thoroughly barbecued him.
That moment flipped the entire match on its head, and clearly got into Kohli’s. In a textbook case of self-rattling, within minutes Kohli had played the exact nibbling shot outside off stump he had fought all day to avoid and was out caught behind.
Kohli and drama are never far removed. Sometimes he actively seeks it out, as was the case on day one with Sam Konstas, but often his combustible nature means he can’t help but cause the odd explosion.
The chaos of Kohli stood in stark contrast to the calming presence of Smith through the morning session as he professionally set the game up for Australia.
Steve Smith scored his second century in as many Tests. (Getty Images: Cricket Australia/Daniel Pockett)
Smith had the advantage of being able to play his hand first, and with a quite sublime sequel to his Brisbane breakthrough made the absolute most of the opportunity.
If at the Gabba Smith was first made to scrap to rediscover his touch, at the MCG it seemed to come as naturally as it did in 2014.
That was the thing about Peak Smudge that often can be forgotten — just how easy and routine he made batting look, even if he did it in an aesthetically unorthodox way.
He had strolled past 50 on day one, then came back out with Pat Cummins on day two and casually clipped off the rest of the runs required for his 34th Test ton. The inevitability of it all was very familiar, terrifyingly so for India.
It was critical for Australia that Smith finish the job in the way that he did, as a strong start to the opening day had waned by the close of play. Had Smith joined the rest of the top four in getting to 50 and getting out, India would have been firmly in the ascendancy.
Instead Smith drove his team forward, ably supported by the free-wheeling tail-end, past 450 and into a wonderfully strong position. It is awfully difficult to lose a Test match from there.
The gauntlet was then thrown down to India’s top order, who had to bat their team out of a hole.
Rohit Sharma decided to kick KL Rahul out of his opening position, only to throw his wicket away with as meek a dismissal as the captain could have mustered, half-heartedly chipping Cummins to Scott Boland at midwicket.
Rahul was one delivery away from seeing India through to tea, but was shocked to discover that particular delivery was a Cummins fireball from the depths of hell.
Pat Cummins struck early to remove Indian captain Rohit Sharma. (Getty Images: Morgan Hancock)
It must be nice for Cummins that his trademark wicket is an utterly unplayable, grotesquely beautiful delivery that kisses the top of the batter’s off stump. Imagine your speciality being literally the best thing in the world. It’s not really fair.
That brought Kohli to the crease, pairing him with the heir apparent in Jaiswal for a decisive partnership. Australia’s conquerors in Perth were together again, and both had a taste for it.
For a few hours Australia must have suffering from some alarming flashbacks, only for Kohli to turn his back on Jaiswal and change the course of the whole affair.
Australia now must wade through Rishabh Pant and India’s revolving door of all-rounders to put itself in a position to win this fourth Test and take a lead in the series. The pitch and conditions are fine for batting but there is momentum on Australia’s side, and India suddenly look prone to meltdown.
If the Australians do go on with it at the MCG, Smith and Kohli’s role in the result will be unignorable. Just as it was 10 years ago, and just as it will forever be as long as they share a field together.
In a thrilling turn of events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Virat Kohli’s fiery temper finally boiled over as he combusted during a tense match between India and Australia. The Indian captain, known for his passion and aggression on the field, could not contain his emotions and found himself in hot water with the match officials.However, as Kohli’s star dimmed, another rose to the occasion – Steve Smith. The Australian veteran, who has had his fair share of controversies in the past, showed his class and skill as he led his team with determination and poise. Smith’s calm and composed demeanor stood in stark contrast to Kohli’s outburst, and he proved why he is considered one of the best in the game.
As India and Australia’s veterans took center stage at the MCG, it was a battle of skill, experience, and leadership. Both Kohli and Smith showcased their talent and leadership abilities, but it was Smith who ultimately came out on top, guiding Australia to a hard-fought victory.
The match was a reminder of the importance of composure and control in high-pressure situations, and both Kohli and Smith provided valuable lessons in how to handle the heat of the moment. As the series continues, fans can expect more fireworks and drama as these two cricketing giants go head-to-head once again.
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Virat Kohli shows ‘hope’ of having found antidote for outside off-stump deliveries in unmissable video from 4th Test
Dec 26, 2024 08:27 PM IST
Four of Virat Kohli’s five deliveries during the ongoing series came against such deliveries.
India’s senior batter Virat Kohli, on Thursday, gave hope to fans on social media of having found the cure to his outside off-stump woes after he was spotted doing shadow batting practice during Australia’s first innings on Day 1 of the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Melbourne. Amid a forgettable day for Kohli, who found himself in the midst of a controversy following his altercation with Aussie debutant Sam Konstas, the video came as a relief for the fans.
Virat Kohli doing shadow batting practice during 4th Australia Test Kohli sparked hopes of a comeback after a lean run of form in the home series against New Zealand in early November, with a century in the second innings in Perth. However, he managed scores of just 7, 11 and 3 in the next three innings across two Tests, which saw him drop below 20 in the ICC Test rankings.
More than the scores, what emerged as a bigger issue for Kohli was the re-emergence of his weakness against the deliveries outside the off-stump. Four of his five deliveries during the ongoing series came against such deliveries.
However, the former India captain was seen practising leaving the balls outside the off stump on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test when doing shadow practice.
Ahead of the start of the Test match, during one of his net sessions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli was seen asking pacers to bowl down the channel of uncertainty.
‘Can he bring the square cut out?’
Speaking to Star Sports, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan urged Kohli to show that same discipline which he spotted during that viral video from the MCG Test, before asking the 36-year-old if he can bring the square cut out.
“Absolutely, there won’t be a bigger opportunity than this because the series is at stake. It’s embedded in his mind that he needs to leave balls outside the off-stump. When the match was ongoing on the first day, he was shadow-practicing that he needs to leave the ball. The discipline he was talking about, he needs to translate that into execution,” he said.
“We expect him to bat with full passion and bring that discipline. I would also say that can he bring the square cut out. He doesn’t play the sweep shot, but still plays them in between. So can he bring the square cut out because he will be trapped by bowling outside off-stump?” Pathan added.
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In a thrilling turn of events during the 4th Test match, Virat Kohli has seemingly discovered the antidote for outside off-stump deliveries that have troubled him in the past. A video capturing this moment of brilliance has gone viral, showcasing Kohli’s determination and skill in overcoming this challenge.Fans are buzzing with excitement as they witness Kohli’s masterful technique and unwavering focus in tackling this longstanding issue. The Indian cricket captain’s ability to adapt and improve his game is truly admirable, and this breakthrough could potentially have a significant impact on his performance in future matches.
Stay tuned as we eagerly await to see how this newfound confidence and skill will play out in the remainder of the series. Kohli’s determination and dedication to constantly evolve and improve his game serve as a source of inspiration for cricket enthusiasts around the world. Watch the unmissable video and witness Kohli’s ‘hope’ for conquering outside off-stump deliveries firsthand.
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Virat Kohli runs out Yashasvi Jaiswal, Steve Smith scores century on day two of Boxing Day Test
A triple blow late on day two has put Australia back in total control of the Boxing Day Test, with Virat Kohli once again at the heart of all the drama at the MCG.
After Steve Smith’s 140 carried Australia to a formidable first-innings total of 474, India looked to be cruising after tea as Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal built a 102-run partnership before a moment of madness brought it all undone and left India 5-160 at stumps.
Inside the final half-hour of the day’s play, Jaiswal clipped a ball to mid-on and took off for a single, but Kohli wanted nothing to do with it and turned his back to get back into his ground, leaving his junior teammate stranded on 82 in the middle of the pitch.
Pat Cummins’s throw came in and Alex Carey whipped the bails off, marking the first time Jaiswal has passed 80 in Tests without going on to score at least 160.
Seven balls later, Kohli, who had been very watchful outside off for his entire innings, pushed at a Scott Boland ball and sent a catch through to Alex Carey.
Night watchman Akash Deep then popped a catch to Nathan Lyon to give Boland another and consign India to a mini-collapse of 3-6 in 22 balls.
Earlier in the innings, captain Rohit Sharma promoted himself from number six to opener in a bid to rediscover some form, but lasted only 12 balls before popping a Cummins delivery to Boland at the end of the second over.
Cummins got another breakthrough with the last ball before tea when he clean bowled KL Rahul with a sensational delivery that seamed past the outside edge and took the top of off.
Look back at all the action in our live blog below, and check out the full ScoreCentre.
Key Events
Live: Boxing Day Test — Australia vs India
STUMPS: India 5-164 (Pant 6, Jadeja 4)
Australia the happier team coming off the ground after that hour of madness from India.
Jaiswal and Kohli looked so good together in that partnership until the youngster was sold down the river by his elder statesman.
That wicket, which came as Jaiswal looked poised to notch another Test century, sparked a collapse of 3-6 which has Australia well on top.
After burning Jaiswal, Virat simply had to go on, and then got out himself an over later to make matters worse.
India has Rishabh Pant, who is woefully short of runs this series, and Jadeja, who batted well for 77 in Brisbane, at the crease to start day three.
They’ve also got Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has weirdly been maybe India’s third best bat, and Washington Sundar to come.
That quartet will have to do the bulk of the work to ensure India can pass the follow-on mark of 275 tomorrow.
Australia heads into stumps with a 310-run lead then, and realistically they’re the only team who can probably win this Test.
Join us tomorrow for live coverage of day three.
46th over – Jadeja finishes day two in style
A thought that crossed my head with Starc at the top of his mark to start the over:
You know who’d be really great to have out there right now if you’re India? Shubman God Damn Gill.
That move to drop him for Washington Sundar made no sense at the toss, and still doesn’t.
Anyway, let’s see if Rishabh and Jadeja can steady things here.
It’s hilarious and also typically Rishabh that in all this chaos, he’s calmly six off seven deliveries.
A single brings Jadeja into the firing line.
Starc goes full and Jadeja’s able to dig it out into the on side in the nick of time.
Starc follows up with a short one and Jaddu drops his hands and sways away from the ball as it flies through to Carey.
FOUR! Oh that’s a great shot. Starc fires one in at Jadeja’s pads and Jaddu gets absolutely all of it with a lovely flick. And that’s stumps!
45th over – Boland continues to wreck India’s response
There are some running repairs for Akash in between overs, which of course gives Sam Konstas a chance to take selfies with fans.
He is truly a man of the people, you’ve gotta love it.
Boland steams in to Pant, who knocks one into the leg side for a quick single.
“Good luck with all of that,” Rishabh to Akash Deep (I’m guessing).
And that’s what happens when you don’t protect him, because Akash perished literally the next ball.
Jadeja’s first ball is almost another run out too. India has lost their heads here.
Boland goes around the wicket to Jadeja to finish the over and induces an edge but it goes one bounce to Marnus in the slips.
Great over!
Akash Deep is caught by a diving Lyon!
Scott Boland celebrates with Nathan Lyon after the wicket of Akash Deep.(Getty Images) Another wicket for Boland!
India didn’t show any interest in protecting the nightwatchman and he’s now gone for a 13-ball duck.
Boland bowled one at Akash’s pads and he hops and edges it in the air on the leg side and it’s brilliantly taken by Nathan Lyon.
Boland has two wickets in this spell. India in strife now.
Ravindra Jadeja is the next man in.
44th over – Starc continues against Akash Deep
Starc coming into Pant now. Fireworks incoming.
There are eight overs remaining tonight. We know Pant isn’t about the chill life, but he needs to knuckle down here.
Starc strays onto Pant’s legs and he’s whipped away delightfully for a couple, Boland runs across on the boundary and picks it up to mass cheers.
Starc goes around the wicket to Akash again.
BEATEN! Length delivery that Akash plays all around. If Starc can get it on the stumps, Akash is a goner I reckon.
An LBW appeal to finish the over, but it’s given not out, probably too high. Starc looks around 10km/h too quick for Akash at the moment.
He survives somehow. Maybe not for much longer.
43rd over – Boland puts Australia well and truly on top
Boland’s first ball to Pant is knocked onto the leg side for a single.
What do we reckon is happening in the Indian dressing room now between Virat and Jaiswal?
A no holds barred cage match perhaps? A TLC match? I’m sorry if you didn’t grow up watching wrestling and these terms mean nothing to you.
Anyway, Boland continues to Akash and he’s probing on that nagging line.
BEATEN! Boland jags one away from Akash ever so slightly and induces a play and miss. It is all happening now.
BEATEN AGAIN! A carbon copy. This is incredible. Literally NOTHING was happening before the Jaiswal wicket. Now every ball looks like a grenade.
Boland nicks off Kohli!
BOLAND HAS DONE IT!
That is exactly what Virat couldn’t afford to do after running out Jaiswal.
It’s the same mode of dismissal that’s caused him to come unstuck for the last five years, fishing outside off stump.
He’s left those balls alone all day, but Boland gets him to nibble at one and that’s all she wrote.
Virat goes for 36 and Rishabh Pant replaces him.
This Test has flipped on its head in the space of two overs.
42nd over – Starc returns to attack nightwatchman
A good move from Pat Cummins, getting Starc into the attack here.
Kohli knocks one into the off side for a single. Looks like he’s not going to protect Akash at all.
Starc starts with a yorker length ball to Akash, who’s able to leave it comfortable as it flies wide of the off stump.
There is no secret where Starc is looking to bowl here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come around the wicket to Akash.
Akash tries to drive the next ball and gets an awkward under edge that bounces through to the fielders behind the stumps.
A short one from Starc, well defended that time from Akash. The Aussie crowd is up and about again.
Here we go, Starc around the wicket to Akash to end the over. This is going straight at his toes.
Surprisingly not! What do I know? Akash defends it into the leg side, albeit awkwardly.
41st over – Kohli burns Jaiswal to give Australia an in
Boland continuing to test Kohli on that nagging off-stump line, Kohli defending well so far.
He’s walking down the wicket a little, as Jaiswal has done to negate some seam movement.
Boland comes around the wicket to Jaiswal after Kohli gets off strike courtesy of a leg bye.
FOUR! Boland goes short, and Jaiswal rocks back and cuts it super fine past the sweeper at deep backward point. Lovely touch. He’s into the 80s now.
Kohli barbecues Jaiswal to end the over and now has even more responsibility than he had before. He’s got to go big here.
JAISWAL IS BURNT BY KOHLI!
OH NO NO NO NO NO!
Jaiswal punches one down the ground to mid on and immediately charges down the pitch, Kohli, ball-watching refuses to leave his crease.
The Aussies whip off the bails at the striker’s end and Jaiswal has to go for 82.
Kohli’s absolutely burnt him there, that is 100 per cent Jaiswal’s call and it’s probably a quick single.
Wow, what a turning point in this Test. Something out of literally nothing.
India sends in Akash Deep as the nightwatchman.
40th over – Jaiswal hits a six, survives huge LBW shout
SIX! Jaiswal has had enough of poking and prodding. Marsh goes full and is tonked over mid-on into the stands. That’s woken up the crowd!
HUGE APPEAL! Marsh wraps Jaiswal on the pads after he misses a flick. The Aussies plead and then send it upstairs.
DRS shows that the ball has pitched outside leg. The MCG sounds like Wankhede after Dhoni hit the winning runs in the 2011 World Cup final. Jaiswal survives.
Marsh has got a head of steam up now, his pace has picked up into the 130s. He senses a real shot at Jaiswal here, but Jaiswal is a real street fighter.
Great comeback from Marsh after that six to open the over. It’s a fascinating battle between he and Jaiswal. Partnership up to 98 now.
39th over – Boland returns to the attack for Cummins
Scott Boland is back into the attack. If anyone can whip this crowd up into a frenzy, it’s him.
He starts at Jaiswal, who walks down the pitch before defending the first ball.
Boland looking to angle it across Jaiswal, hoping to kiss the edge on the way through.
Jaiswal bunts one into the off side for a single to get off strike.
Boland angles one into Kohli’s pads and it’s awkwardly defended with an inside edge. A half-appeal from the Aussies as the Indians run a quick single.
Three singles off the over. It’s a real waiting game for these two. Kohli with another patient leave outside off stump. Virat operating at 89 per cent control today, per ESPNCricinfo stats.
38th over – Marsh causes some problems for Jaiswal
BEATEN! Marsh goes short and Jaiswal goes for a full-blooded cut and misses it.
FOUR! EDGED! Not entirely convincing this, Jaiswal edges one in between first slip and third slip, but gets four. He’s not fully comfortable against Marsh’s slower pace.
Kohli calmly sees out the Marsh over and has a little chat with Jaiswal.
37th over – Cummins tests Kohli with short stuff
Cummins starts another over to Kohli and has a catcher placed at backward square leg.
He’s tempting Virat to see if he wants to take that man on because there’s a boundary if he gets over the top of him.
Some more mixed signals as Kohli knocks one into the leg side. Jaiswal charges down the pitch and is sent back.
FOUR! Cummins goes for the short ball, but Virat is fully in control of this, rocks back and punches a pull past the square leg umpire for four.
Cummins tries again with the very next ball, but Kohli hits it along the ground straight to a fielder who is at square leg halfway to the boundary.
36th over – Bison time as Marsh comes on
The Bison arrives at the crease, replacing Nathan Lyon.
India has gotten to Australia’s fifth bowler, can Jaiswal and Kohli make hay now? Jaiswal is 63 and Virat is 28.
Alex Carey keeping up to the stumps, which is a good move because Marsh’s first delivery is a very gentle 121 km/h.
Interestingly, Carey goes back when Kohli is on strike.
UPPISH! Jaiswal goes for a booming off drive and the ball squirts past the vacant backward point region for a single.
Marsh induces another false stroke as Kohli gets a leading edge past a diving Khawaja at gully for another single.
A tidy start from Marsh with four singles and plenty of encouragement.
The partnership between Kohli and Jaiswal is up to 80.
35th over – Kohli almost runs himself out
RUN OUT CHANCE! Kohli flicks one off his pads and thinks it’s through, but a diving Lyon stops it and the two batters are in the middle of the pitch. Lyon’s shy at the stumps misses, much to the delight of the Bharat Army.
I reckon Virat was gone there if that hit. That is the last thing India wants.
Cummins testing Jaiswal out with some short stuff here.
He’s got a deep square leg, who is 3/4 of the way to the fence, another fielder at backward square leg who is on the boundary, and another catcher who is halfway to the fence at a super wide mid on. Very interesting field placements.
Kohli defends another one into the off side and feigns a run before wisely deciding against it.
34th over – Virat pounces after lots of defence
It’s Lyon’s turn to test out Kohli’s defence now.
After defending, Virat punches an on drive down the ground for a single. His first 24 runs have come in 61 deliveries. Patience personified.
Lyon’s decided to continue over the wicket to Jaiswal too.
Lyon goes a little shorter and Jaiswal punches it down the ground for a single.
Another short one, this time to Kohli, and Virat leans back and pounces, cutting it for three. That’ll feel good after all the defence he’s played.
33rd over – Cummins continues to test out Kohli
There’s a hush around the ground now. It’s similar to the one that was there right before Cummins took out Rahul.
Cummins is administering a tense examination on Virat Kohli’s defence and patience outside off stump.
Oh boy, what is this! Cummins pulls a Siraj, goes for a bouncer that flies well over Alex Carey’s head and it’s five wides.
You know what? I like that this has happened three times today and all three times it’s been given wides rather than byes, which is often an absolute stitch-up for keepers. #ProtectOurKeepers
This battle between Cummins and Kohli has a real heavyweight bout feel to it.
Cummins tests Kohli with a short one, Kohli awkwardly pulls it and they run one and Jaiswal almost slips as they entertain two. The crowd shrieks like a murderer is sneaking up on an unknowing victim.
Meanwhile, Konstas is now in front of the Bharat Army, hyping them up too. A Greek x Indian union of ethnic excellence, what a time.
32nd over – Lyon continues poker game with Jaiswal
The battle between Lyon and Jaiswal continues.
Jaiswal has batted like he wants to send Australia’s off-spinning GOAT into retirement.
But Lyon is a wily old fox, it isn’t by chance that he’s lasted this long in the game.
Usman Khawaja continues to remain at mid-on, inviting a lofted drive if Jaiswal wants it.
Jaiswal defends patiently and then flicks one down to Boland at fine leg for a single.
Lyon comes over the wicket to Jaiswal for the final ball of the over, Jaiswal calmly defends.
In a thrilling turn of events on day two of the Boxing Day Test, Virat Kohli showcased his brilliant fielding skills by running out Yashasvi Jaiswal with a direct hit. The Indian captain’s quick reflexes and accurate throw left Jaiswal stranded and sent shockwaves through the stadium.However, the day belonged to Australian batsman Steve Smith, who put on a masterclass with the bat and scored a magnificent century. Smith looked in sublime touch as he punished the Indian bowlers all around the ground, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The match continues to be finely poised as both teams battle it out for supremacy. Stay tuned for more updates as the Boxing Day Test unfolds!
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Virat Kohli runs out Yashasvi Jaiswal, Steve Smith scores century on day two of Boxing Day Test
A triple blow late on day two has put Australia back in total control of the Boxing Day Test, with Virat Kohli once again at the heart of all the drama at the MCG.
After Steve Smith’s 140 carried Australia to a formidable first-innings total of 474, India looked to be cruising after tea as Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal built a 102-run partnership before a moment of madness brought it all undone and left India 5-160 at stumps.
Inside the final half-hour of the day’s play, Jaiswal clipped a ball to mid-on and took off for a single, but Kohli wanted nothing to do with it and turned his back to get back into his ground, leaving his junior teammate stranded on 82 in the middle of the pitch.
Pat Cummins’s throw came in and Alex Carey whipped the bails off, marking the first time Jaiswal has passed 80 in Tests without going on to score at least 160.
Seven balls later, Kohli, who had been very watchful outside off for his entire innings, pushed at a Scott Boland ball and sent a catch through to Alex Carey.
Night watchman Akash Deep then popped a catch to Nathan Lyon to give Boland another and consign India to a mini-collapse of 3-6 in 22 balls.
Earlier in the innings, captain Rohit Sharma promoted himself from number six to opener in a bid to rediscover some form, but lasted only 12 balls before popping a Cummins delivery to Boland at the end of the second over.
Cummins got another breakthrough with the last ball before tea when he clean bowled KL Rahul with a sensational delivery that seamed past the outside edge and took the top of off.
Look back at all the action in our live blog below, and check out the full ScoreCentre.
Key Events
Live: Boxing Day Test — Australia vs India
STUMPS: India 5-164 (Pant 6, Jadeja 4)
Australia the happier team coming off the ground after that hour of madness from India.
Jaiswal and Kohli looked so good together in that partnership until the youngster was sold down the river by his elder statesman.
That wicket, which came as Jaiswal looked poised to notch another Test century, sparked a collapse of 3-6 which has Australia well on top.
After burning Jaiswal, Virat simply had to go on, and then got out himself an over later to make matters worse.
India has Rishabh Pant, who is woefully short of runs this series, and Jadeja, who batted well for 77 in Brisbane, at the crease to start day three.
They’ve also got Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has weirdly been maybe India’s third best bat, and Washington Sundar to come.
That quartet will have to do the bulk of the work to ensure India can pass the follow-on mark of 275 tomorrow.
Australia heads into stumps with a 310-run lead then, and realistically they’re the only team who can probably win this Test.
Join us tomorrow for live coverage of day three.
46th over – Jadeja finishes day two in style
A thought that crossed my head with Starc at the top of his mark to start the over:
You know who’d be really great to have out there right now if you’re India? Shubman God Damn Gill.
That move to drop him for Washington Sundar made no sense at the toss, and still doesn’t.
Anyway, let’s see if Rishabh and Jadeja can steady things here.
It’s hilarious and also typically Rishabh that in all this chaos, he’s calmly six off seven deliveries.
A single brings Jadeja into the firing line.
Starc goes full and Jadeja’s able to dig it out into the on side in the nick of time.
Starc follows up with a short one and Jaddu drops his hands and sways away from the ball as it flies through to Carey.
FOUR! Oh that’s a great shot. Starc fires one in at Jadeja’s pads and Jaddu gets absolutely all of it with a lovely flick. And that’s stumps!
45th over – Boland continues to wreck India’s response
There are some running repairs for Akash in between overs, which of course gives Sam Konstas a chance to take selfies with fans.
He is truly a man of the people, you’ve gotta love it.
Boland steams in to Pant, who knocks one into the leg side for a quick single.
“Good luck with all of that,” Rishabh to Akash Deep (I’m guessing).
And that’s what happens when you don’t protect him, because Akash perished literally the next ball.
Jadeja’s first ball is almost another run out too. India has lost their heads here.
Boland goes around the wicket to Jadeja to finish the over and induces an edge but it goes one bounce to Marnus in the slips.
Great over!
Akash Deep is caught by a diving Lyon!
Scott Boland celebrates with Nathan Lyon after the wicket of Akash Deep.(Getty Images) Another wicket for Boland!
India didn’t show any interest in protecting the nightwatchman and he’s now gone for a 13-ball duck.
Boland bowled one at Akash’s pads and he hops and edges it in the air on the leg side and it’s brilliantly taken by Nathan Lyon.
Boland has two wickets in this spell. India in strife now.
Ravindra Jadeja is the next man in.
44th over – Starc continues against Akash Deep
Starc coming into Pant now. Fireworks incoming.
There are eight overs remaining tonight. We know Pant isn’t about the chill life, but he needs to knuckle down here.
Starc strays onto Pant’s legs and he’s whipped away delightfully for a couple, Boland runs across on the boundary and picks it up to mass cheers.
Starc goes around the wicket to Akash again.
BEATEN! Length delivery that Akash plays all around. If Starc can get it on the stumps, Akash is a goner I reckon.
An LBW appeal to finish the over, but it’s given not out, probably too high. Starc looks around 10km/h too quick for Akash at the moment.
He survives somehow. Maybe not for much longer.
43rd over – Boland puts Australia well and truly on top
Boland’s first ball to Pant is knocked onto the leg side for a single.
What do we reckon is happening in the Indian dressing room now between Virat and Jaiswal?
A no holds barred cage match perhaps? A TLC match? I’m sorry if you didn’t grow up watching wrestling and these terms mean nothing to you.
Anyway, Boland continues to Akash and he’s probing on that nagging line.
BEATEN! Boland jags one away from Akash ever so slightly and induces a play and miss. It is all happening now.
BEATEN AGAIN! A carbon copy. This is incredible. Literally NOTHING was happening before the Jaiswal wicket. Now every ball looks like a grenade.
Boland nicks off Kohli!
BOLAND HAS DONE IT!
That is exactly what Virat couldn’t afford to do after running out Jaiswal.
It’s the same mode of dismissal that’s caused him to come unstuck for the last five years, fishing outside off stump.
He’s left those balls alone all day, but Boland gets him to nibble at one and that’s all she wrote.
Virat goes for 36 and Rishabh Pant replaces him.
This Test has flipped on its head in the space of two overs.
42nd over – Starc returns to attack nightwatchman
A good move from Pat Cummins, getting Starc into the attack here.
Kohli knocks one into the off side for a single. Looks like he’s not going to protect Akash at all.
Starc starts with a yorker length ball to Akash, who’s able to leave it comfortable as it flies wide of the off stump.
There is no secret where Starc is looking to bowl here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come around the wicket to Akash.
Akash tries to drive the next ball and gets an awkward under edge that bounces through to the fielders behind the stumps.
A short one from Starc, well defended that time from Akash. The Aussie crowd is up and about again.
Here we go, Starc around the wicket to Akash to end the over. This is going straight at his toes.
Surprisingly not! What do I know? Akash defends it into the leg side, albeit awkwardly.
41st over – Kohli burns Jaiswal to give Australia an in
Boland continuing to test Kohli on that nagging off-stump line, Kohli defending well so far.
He’s walking down the wicket a little, as Jaiswal has done to negate some seam movement.
Boland comes around the wicket to Jaiswal after Kohli gets off strike courtesy of a leg bye.
FOUR! Boland goes short, and Jaiswal rocks back and cuts it super fine past the sweeper at deep backward point. Lovely touch. He’s into the 80s now.
Kohli barbecues Jaiswal to end the over and now has even more responsibility than he had before. He’s got to go big here.
JAISWAL IS BURNT BY KOHLI!
OH NO NO NO NO NO!
Jaiswal punches one down the ground to mid on and immediately charges down the pitch, Kohli, ball-watching refuses to leave his crease.
The Aussies whip off the bails at the striker’s end and Jaiswal has to go for 82.
Kohli’s absolutely burnt him there, that is 100 per cent Jaiswal’s call and it’s probably a quick single.
Wow, what a turning point in this Test. Something out of literally nothing.
India sends in Akash Deep as the nightwatchman.
40th over – Jaiswal hits a six, survives huge LBW shout
SIX! Jaiswal has had enough of poking and prodding. Marsh goes full and is tonked over mid-on into the stands. That’s woken up the crowd!
HUGE APPEAL! Marsh wraps Jaiswal on the pads after he misses a flick. The Aussies plead and then send it upstairs.
DRS shows that the ball has pitched outside leg. The MCG sounds like Wankhede after Dhoni hit the winning runs in the 2011 World Cup final. Jaiswal survives.
Marsh has got a head of steam up now, his pace has picked up into the 130s. He senses a real shot at Jaiswal here, but Jaiswal is a real street fighter.
Great comeback from Marsh after that six to open the over. It’s a fascinating battle between he and Jaiswal. Partnership up to 98 now.
39th over – Boland returns to the attack for Cummins
Scott Boland is back into the attack. If anyone can whip this crowd up into a frenzy, it’s him.
He starts at Jaiswal, who walks down the pitch before defending the first ball.
Boland looking to angle it across Jaiswal, hoping to kiss the edge on the way through.
Jaiswal bunts one into the off side for a single to get off strike.
Boland angles one into Kohli’s pads and it’s awkwardly defended with an inside edge. A half-appeal from the Aussies as the Indians run a quick single.
Three singles off the over. It’s a real waiting game for these two. Kohli with another patient leave outside off stump. Virat operating at 89 per cent control today, per ESPNCricinfo stats.
38th over – Marsh causes some problems for Jaiswal
BEATEN! Marsh goes short and Jaiswal goes for a full-blooded cut and misses it.
FOUR! EDGED! Not entirely convincing this, Jaiswal edges one in between first slip and third slip, but gets four. He’s not fully comfortable against Marsh’s slower pace.
Kohli calmly sees out the Marsh over and has a little chat with Jaiswal.
37th over – Cummins tests Kohli with short stuff
Cummins starts another over to Kohli and has a catcher placed at backward square leg.
He’s tempting Virat to see if he wants to take that man on because there’s a boundary if he gets over the top of him.
Some more mixed signals as Kohli knocks one into the leg side. Jaiswal charges down the pitch and is sent back.
FOUR! Cummins goes for the short ball, but Virat is fully in control of this, rocks back and punches a pull past the square leg umpire for four.
Cummins tries again with the very next ball, but Kohli hits it along the ground straight to a fielder who is at square leg halfway to the boundary.
36th over – Bison time as Marsh comes on
The Bison arrives at the crease, replacing Nathan Lyon.
India has gotten to Australia’s fifth bowler, can Jaiswal and Kohli make hay now? Jaiswal is 63 and Virat is 28.
Alex Carey keeping up to the stumps, which is a good move because Marsh’s first delivery is a very gentle 121 km/h.
Interestingly, Carey goes back when Kohli is on strike.
UPPISH! Jaiswal goes for a booming off drive and the ball squirts past the vacant backward point region for a single.
Marsh induces another false stroke as Kohli gets a leading edge past a diving Khawaja at gully for another single.
A tidy start from Marsh with four singles and plenty of encouragement.
The partnership between Kohli and Jaiswal is up to 80.
35th over – Kohli almost runs himself out
RUN OUT CHANCE! Kohli flicks one off his pads and thinks it’s through, but a diving Lyon stops it and the two batters are in the middle of the pitch. Lyon’s shy at the stumps misses, much to the delight of the Bharat Army.
I reckon Virat was gone there if that hit. That is the last thing India wants.
Cummins testing Jaiswal out with some short stuff here.
He’s got a deep square leg, who is 3/4 of the way to the fence, another fielder at backward square leg who is on the boundary, and another catcher who is halfway to the fence at a super wide mid on. Very interesting field placements.
Kohli defends another one into the off side and feigns a run before wisely deciding against it.
34th over – Virat pounces after lots of defence
It’s Lyon’s turn to test out Kohli’s defence now.
After defending, Virat punches an on drive down the ground for a single. His first 24 runs have come in 61 deliveries. Patience personified.
Lyon’s decided to continue over the wicket to Jaiswal too.
Lyon goes a little shorter and Jaiswal punches it down the ground for a single.
Another short one, this time to Kohli, and Virat leans back and pounces, cutting it for three. That’ll feel good after all the defence he’s played.
33rd over – Cummins continues to test out Kohli
There’s a hush around the ground now. It’s similar to the one that was there right before Cummins took out Rahul.
Cummins is administering a tense examination on Virat Kohli’s defence and patience outside off stump.
Oh boy, what is this! Cummins pulls a Siraj, goes for a bouncer that flies well over Alex Carey’s head and it’s five wides.
You know what? I like that this has happened three times today and all three times it’s been given wides rather than byes, which is often an absolute stitch-up for keepers. #ProtectOurKeepers
This battle between Cummins and Kohli has a real heavyweight bout feel to it.
Cummins tests Kohli with a short one, Kohli awkwardly pulls it and they run one and Jaiswal almost slips as they entertain two. The crowd shrieks like a murderer is sneaking up on an unknowing victim.
Meanwhile, Konstas is now in front of the Bharat Army, hyping them up too. A Greek x Indian union of ethnic excellence, what a time.
32nd over – Lyon continues poker game with Jaiswal
The battle between Lyon and Jaiswal continues.
Jaiswal has batted like he wants to send Australia’s off-spinning GOAT into retirement.
But Lyon is a wily old fox, it isn’t by chance that he’s lasted this long in the game.
Usman Khawaja continues to remain at mid-on, inviting a lofted drive if Jaiswal wants it.
Jaiswal defends patiently and then flicks one down to Boland at fine leg for a single.
Lyon comes over the wicket to Jaiswal for the final ball of the over, Jaiswal calmly defends.
In a thrilling turn of events on day two of the Boxing Day Test, Virat Kohli showcased his brilliant fielding skills by running out Yashasvi Jaiswal with a direct hit. The Indian captain’s quick reflexes and accurate throw left Jaiswal stranded and sent shockwaves through the stadium.However, the day belonged to Australian batsman Steve Smith, who put on a masterclass with the bat and scored a magnificent century. Smith looked in sublime touch as he punished the Indian bowlers all around the ground, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The match continues to be finely poised as both teams battle it out for supremacy. Stay tuned for more updates as the Boxing Day Test unfolds!
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Former Australia cricketer says sorry to Virat Kohli for inappropriate comment: ‘I shouldn’t have said that’
Former Australia cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe apologised for calling Virat Kohli “arrogant”. While criticising Kohli’s act of bumping into Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, O’Keefe used inappropriate words. The former Australia leg-spinner said, “Kohli has built his entire career on arrogance”. O’Keeffe further went on to add that Kohli could not take another youngster matching his fire with fire.
India’s Virat Kohli poses for selfies on day two of the fourth cricket Test match(AFP) “Kohli has built his whole career on arrogance. Suddenly, he identified that in a debutant and seemed to resent it,” O’Keeffe said on Thursday.
The 75-year-old, however, realised his mistake and issued an apology on Day 2 of the Test match. “I want to apologise for calling Virat Kohli’s behaviour arrogance. I shouldn’t have said that. He has got a swagger and plays his cricket like that. I think when he saw another player showing swagger like him, he got a bit annoyed and reacted in that fashion. Kohli is a passionate cricketer and his aggression is what makes him a competitive cricketer,” said O’Keeffe, who has represented Australia in 24 Test and two ODIs between 1971 and 1977.
Kohli fined by ICC for physical contact with Sam Konstas
Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. He was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match.”
In addition to this, one demerit point was added to Kohli’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.
The incident occurred at the end of the 10th over of Australia’s innings, when Kohli walked up to batter Sam Konstas and negligently bumped his shoulder with the batter inappropriately.
Kohli admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig levelled the charge.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Former Australia cricketer, Michael Clarke, has issued a public apology to Indian captain Virat Kohli for a controversial comment he made during a recent interview. Clarke, who was discussing the upcoming India vs Australia series, made a remark about Kohli’s on-field aggression and leadership style that many deemed inappropriate and disrespectful.In a statement released on social media, Clarke expressed regret for his words, stating, “I want to extend a sincere apology to Virat Kohli for the comment I made during a recent interview. It was not my intention to offend or disrespect him in any way, and I deeply regret making such a statement. I have the utmost respect for Virat as a player and as a person, and I should not have said what I did. I am truly sorry for any hurt or harm that my words may have caused.”
Kohli, who is known for his fierce competitiveness and passion on the field, has yet to respond to Clarke’s apology. However, many fans and fellow cricketers have praised Clarke for taking responsibility for his words and showing humility in admitting his mistake.
It is hoped that this incident will serve as a reminder to all sports personalities and public figures to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions, and to always strive to promote respect and sportsmanship in the world of cricket and beyond.
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“Chill. I’ll…”: Usman Khawaja To Sam Konstas After Virat Kohli Altercation In Boxing Day Test
Several former players disapproved of Virat Kohli’s avoidable tiff with young Sam Konstas on Thursday while Australia opener Usman Khawaja said he stepped in to diffuse the tension because he did not want the situation to go out of hands. Khawaja was at the crease when the incident took place in the 10th over of the Australian innings on the opening day of the fourth Test in Melbourne. While crossing over, Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders and quickly turned around to glance at each other, engaging in a heated exchange of words.
Khawaja immediately stepped in to separate them, putting his arm around Kohli. The on-field umpires also had a word with the two, as things cooled down rather quickly.
“I was walking the other way and just as I turned around, I saw them collide. I was like, ‘What’s going on here?’ Sammy was going, he was on fire, his beans were obviously going. I just came to diffuse the situation,” Khawaja told the ABC.
“I like the emotion. There was a bit of chirp going on between Sam and (Jasprit) Bumrah and Virat the whole time. But I didn’t want it to be tainted by any physical contact.
“I’ve known Virat a long time. We’ve been mates a long time. I was like (to Konstas), ‘Chill. I’ll talk to him. You chill, and I’ll sort this out’.” Former players Justin Langer, Michael Vaughan, and umpire Simon Taufel also felt Kohli was at fault.
“We don’t like seeing that in any cricket,” Langer, the former Australia coach, said during commentary for the Seven Network.
“There’ll be plenty said about this.” The incident happened after the 19-year-old Konstas had left India in a state of shock with his sensational stroke-play, taking down Bumrah, on his way to a 65-ball 60.
“Virat Kohli is such an experienced pro, being wound up by a 19 [year old],” Former England Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan told Fox Cricket.
“It’s Virat that walks into Sam.” Taufel, a five-time umpire of the year, too felt it was Kohli who got into Konstas’ line.
“It shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas,” Taufel said while commenting on the Seven Network.
“My suggestion would be they’ll be looking at that seriously and likely do something about that now.” Kohli was later fined 20 percent of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and former India coach Ravi Shastri also blamed Kohli for instigating the exchange.
Oz media feels Kohli got away lightly
Australian media seemed not too happy by ICC’s minor sanction on Kohli.
“Virat Kohli is free to play in the Sydney Test after avoiding a suspension for his physical altercation with Australia’s boy wonder Sam Konstas during a dramatic start to the Boxing Day Test,” wrote Sydney Morning Herald.
Foxsports’ headline read: “‘Completely acted wrong’: Kohli shock as star avoids ban for ‘ridiculous’ clash with Aussie teen.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Chill. I’ll Handle It: Usman Khawaja To Sam Konstas After Virat Kohli Altercation In Boxing Day TestAfter a heated exchange between Australian batsman Usman Khawaja and Indian captain Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test match, Khawaja reassured his teammate Sam Konstas that he would handle the situation.
The tension between the two players escalated as Kohli continued to sledge Khawaja while he was batting. However, Khawaja remained calm and composed, focusing on his game and letting his bat do the talking.
In a moment of solidarity, Khawaja turned to Konstas and said, “Chill. I’ll handle it.” This display of confidence and composure from Khawaja not only reassured his teammate but also showed his ability to stay focused under pressure.
As the match continues, all eyes will be on Khawaja as he looks to lead Australia to victory, both with his bat and his ability to handle any on-field confrontations with grace and poise. Let’s see how he manages to navigate the situation and come out on top. #ChillIllHandleIt
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Ravi Shastri slams Australian media as Virat Kohli faces heat after shoulder-bumping incident | Cricket News
Virat Kohli exchanges words with Konstas as Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough look on. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images)NEW DELHI: During the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was involved in a shoulder-bumping incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. This incident has drawn considerable attention from the Australian media.
Kohli received a 20% fine of his match fee for the altercation and one demerit point. However, some, including former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, believe a stricter penalty was warranted.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 4th Test
Even before the match, Kohli was already under significant media scrutiny Down Under. He was surrounded by journalists at the airport, and one reportedly tried to take an unauthorized photo of him and his family.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri criticized the Australian media’s coverage of Kohli, describing it as “desperation.”“You are three Test matches into the series, the scoreline is 1-1. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is still undecided. If Australia had been leading 3-0 or even 2-0, the narrative might have been different. But now, the entire country, including the media, is behind the team, pushing hard for a win in Melbourne,” Shastri said on Star Sports.
Shastri believes the Australian media used the shoulder-bump incident to target Kohli.
“When the physical contact happened, it was like, ‘this is our chance.’ They brought out the fangs and the paintbrush to create a larger story,” he added.The incident has highlighted the intense competition in the series. Shastri suggests the media’s reaction reflects the pressure on the Australian team to win back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The pressure on both teams to perform well is immense. The media scrutiny adds another layer of complexity to this rivalry.
Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has come out in defense of captain Virat Kohli amidst the controversy surrounding the shoulder-bumping incident with Australian captain Tim Paine. In a scathing attack on the Australian media, Shastri slammed them for blowing the incident out of proportion and trying to tarnish Kohli’s reputation.Speaking to reporters, Shastri said, “The Australian media has always had a biased view towards Virat Kohli and they have once again resorted to sensationalizing a minor incident. It is clear that there was no malice or intent from Virat’s side, yet they are trying to make it seem like he is the villain in this situation.”
The incident occurred during the second Test match between India and Australia, where Kohli was seen shoulder-bumping Paine while exchanging words on the field. Despite both players downplaying the incident and moving on, the Australian media has continued to criticize Kohli for his behavior.
Shastri also praised Kohli for his leadership qualities and his passion for the game, stating, “Virat is a fierce competitor and he plays the game with his heart on his sleeve. He is a great leader who always stands up for his team and his country. The Australian media should focus on the cricket being played on the field rather than creating unnecessary controversies.”
As Kohli faces heat from the Australian media, it is clear that he has the full support of his coach and teammates. The Indian cricket team will look to put the incident behind them and focus on the upcoming matches in the series.
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Australia vs India, Boxing Day Test: Sunil Gavaskar defends Virat Kohli’s fine: Can’t hang a man for picking a pocket
Legendary Sunil Gavaskar reiterated his stance against Virat Kohli shouldering Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, but said there were no favours done to the superstar cricketer in terms of the fine that was handed to him by the International Cricket Committee. Gavaskar quoted instances of players getting similar sanctions for physical contact on the field, stressing that protocols were followed in Kohli’s case as well.
Speculation was rife that Virat Kohli would be handed a one-match ban for shouldering 19-year-old Sam Konstas at the MCG in a heated on-field moment. However, Kohli escaped a suspension and was fined 20 percent of his match fee. Match referee Andy Pycroft charged him for Level 1 offence, the lowest level of punishment for physical contact on the field.
A section of the Australian media, however, hit out against the governing body, accusing it of being lenient towards Virat Kohli. Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh lashed out at the authorities for not handing Kohli a harsher punishment for the Boxing Day act.
“Yes, you would say that the punishment may be light, considering the experience that he has had. But, that’s the maximum punishment that is decided by the ICC, He has not been done any favour,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“If, for example, the fine was 10 percent, then you could have said ‘ah, he has been done a favour’. But, the fine for a Level 1 offence is maximum a 20 percent. I am not 100 percent on that, but I am given to understand that there is one demerit point and a fine. That’s the maximum allowed, that’s what has been levied on him.
“No special favours have been done to him. You can’t hang a man for picking someone’s picket. That’s what the Australian media is asking for.
“The Australian media think they got away because he is Kohli. But, that is not the thing,” he added.
Virat Kohli was handed a demerit point for the offence. It was the former captain’s first ICC sanction since 2019.
GAVASKAR CITES PREVIOUS INSTANCES
Gavaskar highlighted how Ireland fast bowler Josh Little and Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah received similar fines for making deliberate physical contact with opposition players in the last 12 months.
While Josh Little was handed a 15 per cent match fee for making contact with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza in a T20I game in Harare last year, Bumrah was just reprimanded for physical contact with England batter Ollie Pope in a Test match earlier this year.
“I know in this particular year, there have been four such incidents in which there have been fines. Last December, Ireland bowler Josh Little was fined 15 percent for a physical contact with a batter, a Level 1 offence. In that game, Andy Pycrot was the match referee.
“Jasprit Bumrah was also reprimanded for Lavel 1 physical contact for physical contact with England’s Ollie Pope,” Gavsakar said.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
The recent controversy surrounding Virat Kohli’s fine for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India has sparked a heated debate among cricket fans. While many have criticized Kohli for his actions, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come to his defense.In a recent interview, Gavaskar stated, “I think the fine imposed on Virat Kohli was a bit harsh. Yes, he may have crossed the line with his behavior on the field, but let’s not forget that he is a passionate and competitive player who always gives his 100% on the field. Sometimes emotions can get the better of us, and I believe that we shouldn’t be too quick to judge or condemn someone for a momentary lapse in judgment.”
Gavaskar went on to compare Kohli’s actions to that of picking a pocket, stating, “We can’t hang a man for picking a pocket. Similarly, we shouldn’t crucify Kohli for a minor infraction during a high-pressure Test match. Let’s not forget that he is one of the best cricketers in the world and has done a lot for Indian cricket. We should focus on supporting him and helping him learn from this experience.”
It’s clear that opinions are divided on this issue, but Gavaskar’s words serve as a reminder that athletes are human too and can make mistakes. Let’s hope that Kohli can learn from this incident and continue to lead the Indian team with the same passion and determination that has made him a cricketing legend.
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Shastri calls Australian media ‘desperate’ for ‘targeting’ Virat Kohli: ‘If it was 3-0, headlines would be different’
Virat Kohli faced the brunt of Australian media following the shoulder-bumping incident with 19-year-old Australian debutant, Sam Konstas, during the Boxing Day Test on Thursday. The India great was fined 20 percent of his match-fees for the incident, although many Aussie media outlets, and even former cricketers like Ricky Ponting, called for a harsher punishment.
Ravi Shastri spoke in detail about the coverage surrounding Virat Kohli in Australian media(File/AP) The lead-up to the Melbourne Test saw Virat Kohli firmly in the spotlight, with much of the attention coming from the Australian media. At the airport before the match, Kohli was surrounded by journalists, and the situation took an uncomfortable turn when a reporter seemingly tried to snap a photo of Kohli with his family.
This incident, coupled with the altercation involving 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas and the intense media coverage directed at Kohli, has sparked a strong response from former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Visibly frustrated by the treatment of the Indian star, Shastri suggested that the Australian media was showing signs of “desperation.”
Shastri believes the Australian media wouldn’t have reacted as strongly to the controversy had their team led the series 3-0, or even 2-0.
“It’s a little bit of desperation. You are three Test matches into the series, the scoreline is 1-1. The Border-Gavaskar trophy is still not yours. You want to win in Melbourne. I’ve been to Australia many times, the whole country comes behind the team. Not just the crowd, the media… everyone,” Shastri told Star Sports.
“I’m not surprised. That’s why I said it’s a sense of desperation. If Australia had already been 3-0 or 2-0 up, the headlines might have been different.”
Someone had to be the target
Shastri stated that Australian media targeted Virat Kohli and pounced on him following the shoulder-bumping incident.
“When you want to win badly… it not so often a country comes to Australia and win a series for 7-8 years. I know where it’s coming from, it has been there for a period of time, someone had to be the target, and they got the opportunity with the physical incident yesterday.
“When the physical contact happened, they were like, ‘this is our chance to get the fangs out, get the paintbrush out’ and start doing all sort of things,” said Shastri further.
Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has hit out at the Australian media for their coverage of Virat Kohli during the ongoing Test series between India and Australia. In a recent press conference, Shastri called the Australian media ‘desperate’ for ‘targeting’ Kohli and suggested that if the series scoreline was 3-0 in favor of India, the headlines would be different.Shastri’s comments come after several Australian media outlets have criticized Kohli for his on-field behavior and tactics during the series. The Indian captain has been involved in a number of heated exchanges with the Australian players, particularly with captain Tim Paine.
Shastri defended Kohli, stating that the Australian media is trying to create controversy and distract from the actual cricket being played on the field. He also pointed out that if India was leading the series 3-0, the headlines would be focused on their dominant performance rather than on Kohli’s behavior.
The Indian team coach urged the media to focus on the cricket and not get distracted by the off-field drama. He reiterated that Kohli is a passionate player who always gives his all for the team and should be judged on his performances on the field.
As the series continues to heat up, it seems that the off-field drama is only adding to the excitement. Shastri’s comments serve as a reminder to focus on the cricket and let the players do the talking with their performances.
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- Shastri
- Australian media
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