Konstas breaks his silence on Kohli Clash

IMAGE: The incident unfolded as the players crossed paths on the field, with Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumping shoulders. Photo: Cricket.com.au

Australia opener Sam Konstas, 19, has broken his silence on his heated exchange with Virat Kohli on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

The altercation took place after Australia’s 10th innings, leading to a hiccup that sparked debate across the cricketing world over whether the ICC should take action against Kohli.

Speaking to Channel 7, Konstas admitted: “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t realize it. I was just getting my gloves on when I got the shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket.

The incident unfolded as the players crossed the field, with Kohli and Konstas bumping shoulders. Both returned immediately, exchanging heated words before Usman Khawaja stepped in to defuse the situation.

The on-field umpires also had a quick word with the pair to calm tensions.

While cricket greats Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan criticized Kohli, suggesting that ICC match referee Andy Pycroft should investigate the matter, Konstas appeared to downplay the confrontation.

Konstas, Australia’s youngest debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011, showed remarkable composure to score a sensational fifty from just 52 balls. His innings included a fearless attack on the world’s top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who endured one of the toughest spells of his career.

Reflecting on the mid-century, Konstas said: “It was a little nod to the Konstas family. They made a lot of sacrifices to bring me here. I got goosebumps when I picked up the bat. Everyone supported me. It was a great atmosphere.

The teenager was eventually dismissed for 60 by Ravindra Jadeja, who caught him leg-first, but not before Konstas stamped his authority with a daring piece of play. In particular, his dominance over Bumrah stood out. He is the first batsman to hit a six off Bumrah since 2021.

Explaining his tactics, Konstas said: “It wasn’t a plan. It was something I decided after I was hit by Bumrah a couple of times in the first over of the match.