Home
Virat Kohli should have been banned for his confrontation with Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the just-finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, according to former England fast bowler Steve Harmison, who said that the former Indian captain had gone too far in the heated exchange. In addition, Harmison cautioned Konstas against inciting opponent players, highlighting the fact that the Australian teenager will have a difficult time against England in the forthcoming Ashes series.
For making physical contact with Konstas during the Melbourne Test, Kohli avoided suspension but was fined 20% of his match fee. When the two sides were switching ends at the conclusion of an over, the Indian star seemed to shoulder-bumped the 19-year-old opener. After a brief exchange of heated looks between Kohli and Konstas, the on-field umpires intervened to diffuse the tension.
While some Australian media outlets and former cricket players chastised Kohli for his action against the rookie, Konstas brushed down the incident.
Harmison on Kohli
"What happened with Kohli there – Kohli was bang out of order. Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there’s a line, and you do not cross it,” Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast.
Although, during the Sydney Test, the former England pacer backed the Indian team's wild celebration of Usman Khawaja's wicket. Harmison pointed out that a previous verbal altercation between Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas had heightened tensions.
Harmison's big advice to Konstas
Harmison said he would be happy to see the teenager open against England in the Ashes and that Konstas concentrate on improving his defensive style rather than trying to follow in David Warner's footsteps. Harmison emphasized the significance of giving technical advancement top priority while lauding Konstas's potential.
“Sam has got the scoops, he’s got the big shots. But does he have the defensive technique for Test match cricket against the world’s best? That’s something he needs to figure out. If he gets it right, he has a great chance because he can be aggressive and has a good mindset for attacking the ball. But I just think he wants to be David Warner, and technically, he’s nowhere near as good as Warner,” Harmison explained.
“If he’s opening the batting against England, I’d be happy. I really would. But he’s only 19, and he’s going to improve. However, if he continues to be aggressive verbally, he’ll face consequences. India is one thing, but the Ashes – with all the pressure it brings – is another level entirely. I’ve no issue with him having a go at India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time, and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge,” he added.
Australia won the series 3-1 and regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in ten years. Australia won the last two games to win the series and guarantee their spot in the World Test Championship final, even though they were level 1-1 going into the fourth Test in Melbourne. Australia's 18-man roster for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on January 29, includes Konstas.
