Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas Shoulder Collision: ICC to Review Incident During Boxing Day Test
A shoulder collision between India’s veteran batter Virat Kohli and Australia debutant Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has raised questions and could come under review by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The incident occurred after the 10th over, when Kohli, holding the ball, appeared to change his walking path, intentionally colliding with Konstas. The young Australian, visibly displeased by the contact, exchanged words with Kohli. Australia’s opener Usman Khawaja and on-field umpire Michael Gough quickly intervened to diffuse the situation.
The altercation caught the attention of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who expressed concern over Kohli’s actions. Speaking on Channel Seven, Ponting stated, “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that.”
Ponting further noted that it is generally expected that fielders avoid the batsman’s path, especially during breaks. “Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. Every fieldsman on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together,” he added. “It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.”
The ICC’s Article 2.12 of the Code of Conduct specifically prohibits inappropriate physical contact. It states, “Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket,” including situations where a player deliberately or recklessly collides with another player or umpire. The seriousness of the breach is assessed based on factors such as intent, the force of the contact, any resulting injury, and whether the contact was avoidable.
Konstas, however, downplayed the incident when asked about it during the drinks break, telling broadcasters Fox Sports, “Whatever (happens) on the field stays on the field, but I love competing — and it doesn’t get any better for a debut at this packed stadium.”
If match referee Andy Pycroft deems the incident a level two offence, Kohli or Konstas could face three or four demerit points. A level one offence would result in a reprimand or a fine.
Simon Taufel, the five-time ICC Umpire of the Year, weighed in on the incident, noting that match officials would likely review the situation under the ICC code of conduct. Taufel said, “It shows Virat Kohli actually changing his line to get into the personal space of Sam Konstas. There’s a clause with the ICC code of conduct that talks about inappropriate physical contact. That’s the clause that the umpires and the referee will be looking at at the close of play today to see whether or not Virat’s actions went into that category.”
Taufel suggested that while the officials may examine the incident, it is likely they would let it go without further action, acknowledging the high tension and adrenaline involved in the moment. “We don’t want to see any physical contact during the game. It tends to get out-of-control. A lot of adrenaline flowing. Sam Konstas holding his ground. Virat Kohli did the same thing. It’s something out of nothing. We don’t want to see it continue.”
Alyssa Healy, the Australia women’s captain, expressed her disappointment with Kohli’s actions, particularly in targeting the young debutant. Healy, wife of Australia pacer Mitchell Starc, commented on Fox Sports, “I think it’s more disappointing than anything else that your experienced player, one of your best players in the country, has quite visibly made a beeline for the youngest player in the opposition. It doesn’t really set the greatest of tones for your side, but if that’s the way the Indian team wants to approach it, then so be it, but it didn’t rattle Konstas one bit.”
As the situation remains under review, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if the ICC takes any further action. For now, Konstas’ debut innings, in which he scored a blistering 60, remains the focal point of the day’s play.
