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On Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), senior Indian batter Virat Kohli received criticism for shoulder-bumping Australia debutant Sam Konstas. With his aggressive batting, Konstas, Australia's fourth-youngest Test debutant, was creating a stir. Known for his "see ball, hit ball" strategy, Konstas upset Indian pacers by using ramp shos and drives down the ground to specifically target Jasprit Bumrah. During the interval between overs, Kohli and Konstas happened to cross paths as tensions boiled.
Near the pitch, they were walking in different directions when none gave way, causing a deliberate collision on the shoulder. While Konstas refused to give up, Kohli paused and turned, as if to challenge the young batter. Usman Khawaja became aware of the verbal altercation and helped to defuse the tension by smiling and putting his arm around Kohli. umpires from the match stepped in to further defuse the situation.
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What will happen as per ICC rules?
The ICC's Code of Conduct states that "any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire".
Andy Pycroft, the match referee, will undoubtedly investigate the situation. The player would be docked three or four demerit points if Pycroft determined that the Konstas-Kohli touch was a Level Two offence. A suspension for the Sydney Test in the New Year would be triggered by four points. Only a smack on the wrist and probably a match fee fine would be appropriate for a Level One offence.
After making contact with Steve Smith during the intense 2018 South Africa-Australia Test series, Kagiso Rabada was first given three demerit points; however, his penalty was later reversed on appeal. Compared to the Rabada-Smith contact, Kohli's bump on Konstas was definitely heavier contact.
Taufel believes Kohli will avoid suspension
Ex-Test umpire Simon Taufel believes that both Konstas and Kohli will most likely be able to escape suspension despite the heated episode.
"We don't want to see any physical contact during the game. It tends to get out-of-control. A lot of adrenaline flowing. Sam Konstas holding his ground. Virat Kohli did the same thing. It's something out of nothing. We don't want to see it continue.," said Taufel.
"It's something they'll have a look at during maybe a lunch break or even at the end of the day's play. I tend to think they'll let that one go. That's my view at this stage. Let the players say what they want to say. Get a few things off their chest. At times if it goes further, they'll probably let that one slide," he added
Virat Kohli punished after for Sam Konstas clash
After Day 1 play, Virat attended the hearing with match referee Andy Pycroft where he admitted to the offence. Unlike previously expected, the star batter was fined 20 per cent of his match fee for the heated altercation episode with Sam Konstas and he has also been handed one demerit point by Pycroft, who is referring to his 100th Test Match.
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