December 26, 2024: Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct following a shoulder bump incident on the first day of the Melbourne Test. The altercation occurred during the 10th over of Australia’s innings when Kohli made physical contact with debutant Konstas. This led to a heated exchange between the two players, with Australia’s Usman Khawaja stepping in to defuse the situation, as per the ICC’s report.
Kohli’s actions were deemed to have violated Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).” The charge was brought by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.
Kohli accepted the sanction proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, avoiding a formal hearing. While Kohli’s actions were under scrutiny, it also drew criticism from several cricket experts, including former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting remarked that Kohli’s decision to walk over to the new batter’s area and instigate the confrontation was highly questionable. He suggested that fielders should be mindful of where they are positioned, especially when a batsman is getting ready.
Ponting added, “No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that,” referring to Kohli’s movements and the position of the fielders.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in on the matter, highlighting the importance of respecting boundaries in on-field conduct, stating, “There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep that line.”
However, Konstas, who had impressed with his dynamic batting on his Test debut by scoring 60 off 65 balls, downplayed the incident during a post-day press conference. He stated, “I was just doing my gloves, and I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that is just cricket, just the tension.” He remained calm about the situation and emphasized his focus on backing himself and continuing to perform at his best.
Konstas’ lively innings included six fours and two sixes before he was dismissed lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, ending an 89-run opening partnership. Despite the incident, the focus quickly shifted to Australia’s strong batting performance on Day 1. All four of Australia’s top-order batsmen scored half-centuries, with Steve Smith remaining unbeaten on 68. Australia ended the day at 311/6, with Jasprit Bumrah being India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 75 runs.
