Australia v India: Kohli fined for Konstas bump on day one

Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fees and given a demerit point after a heated clash with Sam Konstas on day one of the fourth Test between Australia and India in Melbourne on Thursday.

The Indian batsman bumped shoulders with Konstas when crossing the pitch between overs 10 and 11 of the day, telling the debutant to “watch where you’re going” in the aftermath.

He has received a level one breach of the ICC Code of Conduct as result, for “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match”.

“I think the emotions got to both of us,” Konstas said of his clash with Kohli.

“I didn’t quite realise.

“I was doing my gloves, then there was a little shoulder charge.

“But it happens in cricket.”

The incident came as Konstas was in the midst of a brilliant innings, making the third-fast half-century on debut by an Australian and fastest-ever by an opener.

The 19-year-old began like a deer in headlights, unable to put bat on ball against India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.

However, he soon found his mojo in emphatic fashion, executing a series of reverse sweeps to hand Bumrah his most expensive figures for one Test bowling spell – 38 runs in a six-over spell.

“I think I was just getting used to the wicket, first time facing him, getting used to his action,” Konstas said.

“Obviously, he beat my bat quite a few times, and I was lucky enough to get a few away.

“But it was a great contest.

“He’s a legend of the game, obviously, so I was trying to put a bit of pressure on him, and it paid off today.

“I think I’m always challenging myself, trying to bring the best out of myself, so just getting that contest with him and trying to take his lines away.”

Konstas eventually fell for 60 runs from 65 balls, as Australia ended on 6/311 after day one.

Top bookmakers have shortened the home side’s cricket betting odds ever so slightly as a result, putting Australia on $1.57 to win, after Picklebet had them at $1.61 heading into the Test.

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