Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan shared his views on the Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas shoulder bump incident in the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Michael Vaughan joked that Virat Kohli was unlucky to get caught considering the number of cameras on the cricket ground.
Virat Kohli has struggled with form in Test cricket despite scoring a century in the second innings of the first Test. His performance dipped in the next three matches, scoring 167 runs in four Tests at an average of 27.83. He averaged under 16 in the three home Tests against New Zealand.
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas involved in shoulder collision on Day 1 of MCG Test
Kohli was involved in a physical altercation with Konstas in the first innings of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The veteran batsman hit Konstas, who is doing well with his aggressive approach, with a shoulder during an over, apparently trying to unsettle him.
In particular, the Indian batsman's move drew criticism, with former Australian players and the local media calling for a suspension. However, the International Cricket Council fined Kohli 20% of his match fees and gave him a demerit point. Following the incident, Konstas encouraged the crowd after Kohli's dismissal.
I thought Virat Kohli was a bit unlucky – Michael Vaughan
Speaking on the Prairie Fire Club podcast, Michael Vaughan said that Virat Kohli was unfortunate to be caught up in the incident. He mentioned that Kohli could have got away with the act and was unlucky to get caught.
“I thought it was a bit unlucky. I think there's 134 cameras in the ground. I thought he was unlucky to get caught. I thought he could have gotten away with it. Very unlucky to have been caught,” Vaughan said.
Australia took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series with a 184-run win in Melbourne. If Australia lose the fifth Test in Sydney, India will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Virat Kohli aims to regain his form in the final Test starting Friday, January 3.
I think you need to work on Australian songs – Michael Vaughan on Adam Gilchrist
In the same conversation, Michael Vaughan was asked if he had ever experienced the MCG crowd chanting: “Vaughnie's a wanker”. Vaughan stated that to be targeted in this way means you are a legendary player. He suggested that the chants of the Australian crowd needed to be improved.
“No, that really pisses me off. No, I think if you get that, you're in the ranks of some real legendary players,” Vaughan said.
“I mean, Phil Tufnell got it. Tufnell is a scoundrel. I mean, there were a few chants on Bay 13 this week that were a little bit- That's the one thing I think the Aussie crowd- There were a few that supported Australia, but not many this week, mainly I think they have to you are working on Aussie songs, they are not great Aussie, Aussie, ow, ow, ow and all this needs to improve.
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