Watch: Virat Kohli Handed a Demerit Point for this Disputed Action

Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test delivered all the excitement a cricket fan could hope for. The MCG was packed with an enthusiastic crowd, the weather was perfect for the game, and the action on the field was electrifying. The spotlight was on 19-year-old debutant Sam Kontas, who fearlessly took on Jasprit Bumrah, succeeding in his challenge and catching the eye of the cricket world. However, the drama didn’t end there. Following Kontas’ impressive display, former Indian captain Virat Kohli exchanged a few words with the young debutant and gave him a forceful shoulder tap. Here's what unfolded during this incident and how it ultimately led to Kohli being handed a fine.

A Frustrated Action From Virat Kohli

The incident occurred after 10 overs had been completed, with both Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja chatting in the middle of the pitch while the score stood at 44/0. Virat Kohli, coming down from the non-striker's end, deliberately shoulder-bumped the 19-year-old Sam Konstas, leading to a heated exchange among the players. Usman Khawaja stepped in to separate the young player from Kohli. This action was met with disapproval from the crowd and commentators, particularly Ricky Ponting, who expressed his frustration. Ravi Shastri termed this ‘unnecessary’ for a senior player to do this to a youngster. 

The incident seemed to stem from Kohli's frustration, as India was trailing behind Australia at that moment. Kohli appeared to be trying to get into Sam Konstas’s head to disrupt his concentration. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj had sledged Konstas several times, but the young player remained composed and responded effectively with his bat.

Aftermath of this Incident

With everything said and done, the game began with Bumrah bowling the first over. Sam Konstas didn’t hold back, smashing Bumrah for 18 runs in that over, which included two sixes both ramp shots over the keeper. This impressive response against one of the best bowlers kept the crowd energized, and the young Sam Konstas further engaged the fans by cheering them on after the over. His performance showcased both his determination and maturity at just 19 years old, especially after exchanging words with senior players.

Following his impressive hitting against Bumrah, Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point. The fourth umpire deemed his actions deliberate, which also impacted his reputation negatively.

This incident led to the Australian crowd booing Kohli for most of the day's play. Kohli, however, responded to the crowd in a relaxed manner, adding an entertaining element to the match.

Virat Kohli and Sam Kontas added an intriguing twist to Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. Kohli, known for his fiery temperament, was fined 20% of his match fee for the shoulder tap, which was deemed inappropriate by the ICC Council. However, it was Kontas’ remarkable maturity that truly stood out. In a mid-match interview, the young debutant responded with grace, stating that "what happens on the field, stays there," demonstrating his composure and professionalism. His calm handling of the situation only strengthened his reputation as a player with both skill and emotional maturity, ready to shine at the highest level.