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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 well-knit knocks from opener Usman Khwaja and No.3 Marnus Labuschagne. However, it was a storming 60-run knock of the debutant, Sam Konstas which was the highlight ꧅of the Australian innings on the opening day.
Konstas with his unique batting skills quickly became the crowd’s favourite at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It was not just his batting which was a point of chatter amongst fans and analysts, but his tussle with Indian batting wizard Virat Kohli also became a major talking point on Boxing Day.
Sam Konstas shines against India at the MCG
The 19-year-old star💧ted his innings against India patiently, but soon he transitioned toജ a much familiar batting display. The debutant is known in the Australian circle for his out-of-the box batting and ability to score quickly. The youngster did not disappoint the MCG crowd and started hitting all around the ground.
With Konstas hitting the pacers in an impeccable manner, the Indian skipper decided to test the youngster with spin. Ravindra Jadeja was called in to bowl the 19th over. Konstas couldn’t read the second delivery of Jဣadeja’s over and gave away his wicket on a leg-before-wicket appeal from the Indian all-rounder. The Indian team could finally breathe in a bit easily asℱ Jadeja delivers with the much-needed breakthrough.
Also Read: Top 3 fastest fifties on Test debut for Australia ft. Sam Ko🎶nstas
The heated exchange between Kontas and Virat Kohli
By the time Konstas left the ground, the tone of the Boxing Day Test had already been set up by the debutant, not just with the bat but also with a pumped up encounter with Kohli. As the opening pair was switching sides, Kohli, approaching the strikers’ end, barged shoulder-to-shoulder with the youngster. The clash instigated Konstas who replied back with some words, in what many speculate was a deliberate attempt from Kohli to get under Konstas’ skin. The former Indian skipper replied Konstas back with some words of his own before on-field umpires and Australian batter Khwaja meddled in between to stop the two players. Konstas was batting at 27 at the time of the clash with Kohli.
Social media flooded with reactions
The encounter between the Australia𓄧n opener and star Indian batter quickly became viral on the internet with reactions from cricket legends and fans alike.
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting, who seemed furious with Kohli’s act, said: “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his [Konstas’] right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.” The analysis from Ponting further flared up fans of the two sides, with some supporting Kohli and 💫others furious over his actions.
Why didn't change his path??🤔
It's clearly seen that he could have avoided it,
but he deliberately came towards Virat Kohli.
"The whole world is unnecessarily mocking him now!꧂ౠ!"— HARSH VARDHAN (@HARSHUPAL590618)
Virat 🍌Kohli bro come on Sam Konstas is a📖 19 year old debutant. Show some class and respect towards him.
This is unnecessary. Kohli is 🍒bringing ღshame to this beautiful game.😥
— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane)
36 years old man handling the 19 years old boy in his debut te🅺st .s🐻hame
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo)
This is what Ricky Ponting & Co used to do in early 2000s. Now,ꦫ Virat Kohli has taken the charge 🧐
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07)
Virat Kohli with Aussie Mentality💉✨
This is💎 how Aussie behave over a 2-3 decades now kohli giving it back 🥶𒁏— Mufaddal Parody (@mufaddal_voira)
Old Virat Kohli is back 💥💥
— Hanuman Lal Nehra (@HanumanLalNehra)
Virat Kohli needs to be banned from Cricket for his not only rude behaviour but now also he coming for physical assault as well . ICC won't take any action because of corruption and funds from BCCI .
But the opponent players need to 💃become in front of Kohlไi !
— Zainab Qureshi (@zainab2292)
To all those who are telling that Virat Kohli shouldn't have exhanged words with Sam Konstas as he is just 19. Don't forget that this was Australian team, who used to troll him at his debut. This is Peak Test cricket, grow up.
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10)
