The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a fiery moment on the opening day. A shoulder collision between veteran Indian batsman Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas, sparked a heated exchange that raises questions about potential disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Incident
The incident happened during the 10th over of play. While players were changing ends, Kohli, carrying the cricket ball, seemed to change direction and collided with Konstas, who was walking towards his batting partner, shoulder-to-shoulder. The contact seemed to irk Kohli, and he started arguing with Konstas. Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ opening partner, along with umpire Michael Gough, quickly rushed in to calm down the situation.
Ricky Ponting Opinion
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, a commentator for the match, commented on the incident and said that Kohli may have to face consequences for his actions. According to Ponting, Kohli intentionally altered his course to initiate contact. He said that the ICC would definitely look into the incident in light of their code of conduct.
What the ICC Code of Conduct Says
Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct strictly prohibits “inappropriate physical contact” among players. The code looks into the following factors in determining the severity of an offense: Intent: Was the contact intentional, reckless, or negligent? Force of the Contact: How strong was the collision? Injuries: Did the contact cause any injury? Identity of the Person Contacted: The status and vulnerability of the person who was contacted.
Konstas Response
When asked about the collision during the drinks break, Sam Konstas downplayed the incident. He stated that such altercations are part and parcel of the competitive spirit in cricket. Konstas, however, did acknowledge the emotions involved and expressed his excitement about making his Test debut in a packed stadium.
Potential Consequences
If the match referee thinks that it is a Level 2 offense, Kohli may face three or four demerit points. The offense will be less severe if it is classified as a Level 1 offense and could attract a fine or a reprimand. Former umpire Simon Taufel pointed out that the match officials would go through the incident based on the ICC code before arriving at a decision.
The Takeaway
This collision has sparked a debate regarding sportsmanship and on-field behavior in cricket. For some, Kohli’s behavior merited punishment; to others, it is a small issue caused by the competitive fire between individuals. The case makes it important to maintain cool heads and ensure fair play when situations go awry.
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