NEW DELHI: India famous person Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas have been on Thursday concerned in a heated on-area altercation after each shoulder-bumped mid-pitch on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Soon after the fiery trade, the incident blew up with the Australians blaming Kohli for instigating a confrontation with the 19-year-old debutant.
Amidst the drama, an sad former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli for his actions.
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatever,” Ponting mentioned on Channel 7 whereas watching the replay of the incident.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage.
“It regarded to me that Konstas regarded up actually late, would not even know anybody is in entrance of him. That man on-display there (Kohli) might need just a few inquiries to reply,” Ponting added.
However, the Indian followers have been fast to retort, highlighting Ponting’s hypocrisy. An old Ponting video quickly surfaced on-line and began trending, exhibiting the previous Aussie captain himself instigating a confrontation with Harbhajan Singh.
During an India-Australia one-dayer in Sharjah in 1998, Ponting had tried to sledge and mock a 19-year-old Harbhajan after he was dismissed by the off-spinner.
Later within the day, Kohli was fined 20 p.c of his match charge and given one demerit level by the International Cricket Council for his actions.
On the opening day of the Melbourne Test, high 4 Australia batters scored fifties because the hosts ended the day at 311 for six on the shut of play.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets whereas Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar bagged a wicket apiece.
