The first day of the Boxing day Test match ended with Australia scoring 311 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The Australian innings was star-studded with consistent knocks from the opener. Usman Khwaja and No.3 Marnus Labuschagne. However, it was a powerful 60-run knock for the debutant, Konstas himself which was the highlight of the Australian innings on the opening day.
Konstas and his unique fighting skills quickly became a favorite of the people Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It wasn't just his batting that was in a frenzy among fans and pundits, but his tussle with the Indian wizard. Virat Kohli it also became a big issue on Boxing Day.
Sam Konstas shines against India at the MCG
The 19-year-old had a patient start to his innings against India, but he soon switched to a more flamboyant display. The former is known in the Australian arena for his striking outside the box and ability to score quickly. The youngster did not disappoint the MCG crowd and started batting around.
With Konstas hitting the fast bowlers so well, the Indian skipper decided to test the youngster with spin. Ravindra Jadeja he was called on to bowl in the 19th over. Konstas was unable to read Jadeja's second delivery and gave away his wicket to the Indian all-rounder. The Indian team can take a breather as Jadeja provides the much-needed boost.
Also Read: Top 3 fastest fifty on Test debut in Australia ft. Sam Konstas
A heated exchange between Kontas and Virat Kohli
By the time Konstas walked off the floor, the tone of the Boxing Day Test had already been set by the debutant, not just with the bat but also against Kohli. As the opening pair were changing sides, Kohli, approaching the batsmen's end, bumped shoulders with the youngster. The argument sparked Konstas who responded with another statement, which many thought was a deliberate attempt from Kohli to get under Konstas' skin. The former Indian skipper responded to Konstas with his own words before the batsman 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 batter went viral on the internet with cricket legends and fans alike.
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Ricky Pontingwho seemed angry at Kohli's actions, said: “Virat walked one way towards him [Konstas’] right and start that struggle. Without a doubt in my mind.” Ponting's analysis further fueled the fans of the two sides, with some supporting Kohli and others angry at his actions.
Why didn't he # Compatible change his way??🤔
It is clear that he could have avoided it,
but he came for Virat Kohli's purpose.
“The whole world is mocking him for no reason now!!”#INDvsAUS#ViratKohli #green #SquidGame2 pic.twitter.com/h8mKJEz74a– HARSH VARDHAN (@HARSHUPAL590618) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli bro come on Sam Konstas is a 19 year old debutant. Show class and respect to him.
This is not important. Kohli is bringing shame to this beautiful game.😥
A 36-year-old man #ViratKohli catching a 19-year-old boy in his first test .shame #AUSWIN#BoxingDayTestpic.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 Aussie Mentality💉✨
This is how Aussie is doing in 2-3 years now kohli is taking revenge 🥶#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/1MgqquGjtO– Mufaddal Parody (@mufaddal_voira) December 26, 2024
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 because of his rude behavior and now he is coming to be beaten again. ICC will not take any action due to corruption and money from BCCI.
But fighting players should be @imunaveenulhaq before Kohli! https://t.co/q9wgZVvt4X
– Zainab Qureshi (@zainab2292) December 26, 2024
For all those who say that Virat Kohli should not exchange words with Sam Konstas as he is 19 years old. Don't forget that this was the Australian team, which used to rock him in his debut. This is Peak Test Cricket, cry.#INDvsAUS #HONESTvsIND #BoxingDayTest pic.twitter.com/oDpMmMdsqA
– Akshat (@AkshatOM10) December 26, 2024