AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Ricky Ponting’s double requirements criticizing Virat Kohli whereas ignoring his personal previous within the 4th Take a look at

The Boxing Day Take a look at in Melbourne is a spotlight of the cricketing calendar, and this 12 months, it delivered an additional dose of drama. The highlight shone brightly on 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas, who not solely showcased his fearless batting towards a formidable Indian bowling assault but additionally discovered himself embroiled in a heated confrontation with Indian stalwart Virat Kohli. This incident has sparked widespread debate amongst followers and commentators alike, significantly concerning the character of aggressive spirit in cricket.

A fierce dialog between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas

On December 26, the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) buzzed with pleasure as Australia confronted India within the fourth Take a look at of their sequence. The day started with Australia opting to bat first, and younger Konstas shortly made his mark. His audacious fashion was on full show as he reverse-ramped deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah, leaving spectators in awe. Nonetheless, the environment turned electrical when Kohli and Konstas had a shoulder-bumping incident that ignited tempers on the sector.

As each gamers crossed paths after the tenth over, Kohli intentionally moved into Konstas’ path, leading to a bodily conflict that caught the eye of everybody in attendance. The 2 exchanged phrases, prompting intervention from Usman Khawaja and on-field umpire Michael Gough to defuse the scenario. Konstas later downplayed the altercation, attributing it to heightened feelings typical in cricket.

Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Right here’s the penalty Virat Kohli obtained from ICC for his on-field conflict with Sam Konstas

Right here’s the video:

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated second on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting didn’t maintain again in his criticism of Kohli, asserting that he had instigated the confrontation by deliberately crossing into Konstas’ house. Ponting’s remarks have drawn combined reactions, significantly given his personal historical past of fiery confrontations on the sector. Many followers discovered it ironic that Ponting would criticize Kohli for a bodily altercation when he himself was concerned in comparable incidents throughout his enjoying days.

“Take a look the place Virat walks. Virat walked one complete pitch over to his proper and instigated that confrontation. Little question in my thoughts in anyway. It seemed to me like Konstas seemed up actually late, wouldn’t even know anybody was in entrance of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might need a couple of inquiries to reply,” Ponting stated.

A historic perspective of Ponting’s irony

To grasp the irony of Ponting’s stance, one should look again to 1998 when he had a infamous run-in with India spinner Harbhajan Singh. After being bamboozled by Harbhajan throughout a tense match, Ponting reacted aggressively, bumping into the bowler as he walked again to the pavilion. This incident marked the start of a fierce rivalry between Ponting and Harbhajan, with Aussie usually struggling towards him in subsequent encounters.

The parallels between these two incidents spotlight a recurring theme in cricket: the positive line between aggressive spirit and unsportsmanlike conduct. Whereas Kohli’s actions might have appeared provocative to some, they echo the fiery exchanges which have characterised India-Australia matches for many years.

Right here’s the video:

18 yrs Harbhajan Singh vs Ricky Ponting 🤐 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/OQ8kppMAlO

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 26, 2024

Day 1 ends with Australia having the higher hand

Because the match progressed, Konstas continued to impress along with his batting prowess. He scored a brisk 60 runs off simply 65 balls earlier than being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. His efficiency not solely helped stabilize Australia’s innings but additionally showcased his potential as a rising star in Australian cricket. In the meantime, Kohli’s status as a fierce competitor remained intact regardless of the controversy surrounding their altercation. Nonetheless, as Day 1 got here to an in depth with Australia at 311/6, the group encountered difficulties as they misplaced wickets in fast succession.

Additionally READ: Twitter reactions: Impasse in Melbourne as Australia and India trade blows on Day 1 of the 4th Take a look at