The first day of the Boxing Day Test Match ended with Australia scoring 311 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The Australian innings were star-studded with well-jointed knocks from the first match. Usman Khwaja and No.3 Marnus Labuschagne. However, it was a tough 60-run knock from the debutant, Konstas himself which was the highlight of the opening day Australian entries.
Konstas, with his unique batting skills, quickly became a crowd favorite in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It was not just his batting that was a talking point among fans and analysts, but also his fight with the wizard of Indian batting. Virat Kohli It also became a major talking point on Boxing Day.
Sam Konstas shines against India at the MCG
The 19-year-old began his innings against India patiently but soon transitioned into a very familiar batting display. The debutant is known in the Australian circle for his innovative batting and ability to score quickly. The youngster did not disappoint the MCG crowd and began pounding all over the ground.
With Konstas hitting the pacers flawlessly, the Indian captain decided to test the youngster with spin. Ravindra Jadeja He was called to play the 19th over. Konstas failed to read the second delivery of Jadeja’s over 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 much-needed breakthrough.
Also Read: Fastest 3 fifties on Australia’s Test debut under Sam Konstas
The heated exchange between Kontas and Virat Kohli
By the time Konstas left the field, the debutant had already set the tone for the Boxing Day Test, not just with the bat but also with a spirited encounter with Kohli. As the opening pair switched sides, Kohli, coming to the strikers’ side, barged in shoulder to shoulder with the youngster. The clash instigated Konstas, who responded with a few words, in what many speculate was a deliberate attempt by Kohli to get under Konstas’s skin. The former Indian captain responded to Konstas with a few words before the on-field umpires and Australian batsman Khwaja stepped in to stop the two players. Konstas was batting 27 at the time of the clash with Kohli.
The encounter between the Australian opener and the star Indian batsman quickly went viral on the internet with reactions from cricket legends and fans alike.
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Ricky Pontingwho seemed furious with Kohli’s act, said: “Virat walked a full length to his [Konstas’] right and instigated that confrontation. I have no doubt.” Ponting’s analysis further angered fans on both sides, some supporting Kohli and others furious at his actions.
Why not #Consists change your path??🤔
It is clear that it could have been avoided,
but he deliberately reached out to Virat Kohli.
“The whole world is making unnecessary fun of him now!!”#INDvsAUS#ViratKohli #zelena #SquidGame2 pic.twitter.com/h8mKJEz74a— DURO VARDHAN (@HARSHUPAL590618) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli brother, come on, Sam Konstas is a 19-year-old debutant. Show some class and respect towards him.
This is unnecessary. Kohli is putting this beautiful game to shame.😥
36 year old man #ViratKohli Driving the 19-year-old in his debut test. Shame. #AUSWIN#TryBoxingDaypic.twitter.com/v4CfweTSsm
– Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) December 26, 2024
This is what Ricky Ponting & Co used to do in the early 2000s. Now, Virat Kohli has taken over 🧐#INDvAUSpic.twitter.com/QGTK0dQ2nk
—Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli with an Australian mentality💉✨
This is how Australians behave for 2-3 decades and now Kohli is giving it back 🥶#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/1MgqquGjtO– Mufaddal Parody (@mufaddal_voira) December 26, 2024
The old Virat Kohli is back 💥💥#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli #BGT2025 pic.twitter.com/YgaYNd1mge
—Hanuman Lal Nehra (@HanumanLalNehra) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli should be banned from Cricket not only for his rude behavior but also for his physical aggression. The ICC will not take any action due to corruption and BCCI funds.
But the opposing players must turn @imnaveenulhaq in front of Kohli! https://t.co/q9wgZVvt4X
—Zainab Qureshi (@zainab2292) December 26, 2024
To all those who say that Virat Kohli should not have exchanged words with Sam Konstas as he is only 19 years old. Don’t forget this was the Australian team, who used to troll him on debut. This is Peak Test cricket, grow up.#INDvsAUS #HONESTvsIND #TryBoxingDay pic.twitter.com/oDpMmMdsqA
-Akshat (@AkshatOM10) December 26, 2024