The first day of the Boxing Day Test match ended with Australia He scored 311 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The Australian innings was star-studded with consistent batting from the opener Usman Khawaja And number 3 Marnus Labuschagne. However, it was a huge blow for the newcomer for 60 runs, Konstas himself Which was the highlight of the Australian innings on opening day.
Konstas with his unique batting skills quickly became a crowd favourite Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It was not just his batting that was the subject of discussion among fans and analysts, it was his struggle with the Indian batting wizard. Virat Kohli It also became a major talking point on Boxing Day.
Sam Konstas shines against India at the MCG
The 19-year-old started his innings against India patiently, but soon moved into a more familiar batting display. The newcomer is known in the Australian circuit for his strikes outside the box and ability to score quickly. The youngster did not disappoint the MCG crowd and started hitting all over the ground.
With Konstas batting flawlessly for the hosts, the Indian skipper decided to test the youngster with a spin. Ravindra Jadeja He was called up to play in the 19th position. Konstas could not read Jadeja's second delivery and gave away his wicket on a leg-before-wicket appeal from the Indian all-rounder. The Indian team could finally breathe a little easier as Jadeja got the breakthrough he desperately needed.
Read also: Fastest 3 fifties in Test debut for Australia with Sam Konstas
Hot exchange between Kontas and Virat Kohli
By the time Konstas left the ground, the newcomer had already set the tone for the Boxing Day Test, not only with the bat but also with a strong encounter with Kohli. As the opening pair swapped sides, Kohli approached the strikers' end, cutting in shoulder to shoulder with the youngster. The clash incited Konstas, who responded with some words, in what many speculated was a deliberate attempt by Kohli to sneak up on Konstas. The former Indian skipper responded to Konstas with a few words before the on-field umpires and Australian batsman Khawaja stepped in between them to stop the players. Konstas was batting on 27 at the time of the clash with Kohli.
The confrontation between the Australian opener and the Indian star quickly went viral online with reactions from cricket legends and fans alike.
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Ricky PontingHe said, visibly angry at Kohli's behaviour: “Virat walked the full length of the field to his right (Constas) and instigated that encounter. There is no doubt in my mind at all.” Ponting's analysis has angered fans of both sides, with some supporting Kohli and others angry at his actions.
Why didn't he do that? #It consists Change his way??🤔
Obviously he could have avoided this,
But he deliberately came towards Virat Kohli.
“The whole world is making fun of him unnecessarily now!!”#INDvsAUS#ViratKohli #Zelena #Squid game 2 pic.twitter.com/h8mKJEz74a– Harsh Vardhan (@HARSHUPAL590618) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli's brother, Sam Konstas is a 19-year-old rookie. Show some class and respect towards him.
This is not necessary. Kohli brings shame to this beautiful game.😥
36 year old man #ViratKohli Dealing with the 19 year old on his first test. Shame #Oswin#BoxingDayTestpic.twitter.com/v4CfweTSsm
– Sohail Omran (@sohailimrangeo) December 26, 2024
This is what Ricky Ponting and Co. used to do in the early 2000s. Now, Virat Kohli has taken charge 🧐#INDvAUSpic.twitter.com/QGTK0dQ2nk
– Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli with an Australian mentality💉✨
This is how the Aussie has been acting for 2-3 decades now, which brings him back 🥶#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/1MgqquGjtO– Favorite parody (@mufaddal_voira) December 26, 2024
The old Virat Kohli is back 💥💥#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli #BGT2025 pic.twitter.com/YgaYNd1mge
– Hanuman Lal Nehra (@HanumanLal Nehra) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli should be banned from cricket not only because of his rude behaviour, but now he is also coming forward for physical assault. ICC will not take any action due to corruption and money from BCCI.
But the opposition players have to become like that @imnaveenulhaq In front of Cooley! https://t.co/q9wgZVvt4X
– Zainab Qureshi (@zainab2292) December 26, 2024
To all those who say Virat Kohli should not have exchanged words with Sam Konstas because he is only 19 years old. Don't forget that this was the Australian team, which he used to troll on his debut. This is the pinnacle Test of cricket, grow up.#INDvsAUS #HONESTvsIND #BoxingDayTest pic.twitter.com/oDpMmMdsqA
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) December 26, 2024
