Australian teenage debutant Sam Konstas has reacted to his much-talked-about run-in with Virat Kohli at the MCG, admitting that emotions got the better of both the cricketers.
Konstas, 19, had a record-breaking debut, becoming the youngest Australian opener to score a Test fifty,and the second-youngest Australian to get a fifty from any position. His 60 off 65 gave Australia a brisk start.
Having raced to 27 off 38 at the end of the 10th over, Konstas was exchanging ends when Virat Kohli, former India captain, passed by. The two shoulder-barged each other, exchanging looks, with commentator Kerry O’Keefe suggesting “Kohli shifted ground to make contact".
There was considerable backlash against Kohli, with many including Ponting, claiming that Kohli instigated it. “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. 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. Every fielder on the ground knows where the batsmen will congregate and get together,” Ponting said.
