The first day of the much-awaited India vs Australia 4th Test in Melbourne saw the Australian batters seize the day, as the skillful Australians took to the field on a bright Thursday. Sam Konstas (60), Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68) scored all critical half-centuries to give the hosts a high. Yet, India’s Jasprit Bumrah proved a thorn in their flesh, picking up three wickets and giving India just the right breakthroughs.
Debutant Konstas was the bright light for the visitors, showing no signs of nervousness against a proficient Indian bowling attack. He had an fearless approach, and one of the highlights of the day was the way he attacked the bowlers.
Amid the competitive atmosphere, a particular incident caught the eyes of commentators Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan. The duo was frustrated because Australian batters were running on the pitch to take runs, and neither the players nor the umpires did anything. Their commentary turned pointed when Rohit Sharma, captain of India, was seen addressing Marnus Labuschagne about the issue.
Irfan Pathan said, “Rohit is telling Marnus that when you run on the pitch, it’s in the middle of the strip.” Gavaskar continued, “Even Sam Konstas was running straight on the pitch. No one said anything to him.” Pathan reiterated, “This is the job of the umpires,” as Gavaskar mentioned the umpires were only spectators during the altercation.
Adding to the drama of the day, a physical altercation took place between Konstas and Indian star Virat Kohli. The incident resulted in Kohli being fined 20 percent of his match fee and receiving a demerit point, even though it was characterized as an accidental bump by the young debutant.
The incident happened immediately after the 10th over of the Australian innings when Kohli and Konstas crossed each other for the first time. The exchange, which was instigated by Konstas, was brought to the notice of on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig.
Kohli accepted the penalties proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft following the close of play. The ICC later confirmed, “Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.”
As the match goes along, both teams will be keen to put these controversies behind them and get down to their respective strategies for the remaining days.
