Melbourne [Australia], December 26: Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first day of the Boxing Day Test. The incident occurred after the 10th over when Kohli made physical contact with Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas, bumping his shoulder, which led to a heated exchange between the two players. Usman Khawaja, an Australian batter, stepped in to defuse the situation, according to the ICC.
The charge was laid under 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).”
Kohli accepted the sanction proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, avoiding a formal hearing. 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.
The incident attracted criticism from several cricket experts. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting remarked, “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage.” Ponting also expressed that Kohli might have a few questions to answer regarding his actions.
Ravi Shastri, former India coach, also commented, saying, “There is a line, and you don’t want to overstep that line.”
In contrast, Konstas, who impressed with a dynamic 60 off 65 balls, downplayed the altercation during the post-day press conference. “I was just doing my gloves, and I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that’s just cricket, just the tension,” he said, adding that his focus was on backing himself and playing freely.
Konstas’ aggressive batting stood out as he fearlessly faced India’s premier bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, but his innings ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw, breaking an 89-run opening partnership. Australia’s top order contributed solidly, with all four openers scoring half-centuries, though none converted them into big scores. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68 as Australia finished Day 1 at 311/6. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 75 runs.