Kohli fined following fiery Melbourne Test clash with Konstas
Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee after an on-field clash with Australia’s Sam Konstas during the fourth Test in Melbourne. The incident occurred on day one, when Kohli collided with Konstas at the end of the 10th over. Kohli appeared to change his direction, making contact with the 19-year-old opener as he walked down the pitch to speak with his batting partner, Usman Khawaja.
The two players exchanged words before Khawaja stepped in to defuse the situation. As a result, the match referee, Andy Pycroft, determined that Kohli had violated International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines regarding “inappropriate physical contact.”
In addition to the fine, Kohli, 36, received one demerit point. However, the penalty does not affect his participation in the upcoming fifth Test in Sydney next month. The ICC confirmed that Kohli accepted the punishment, so no formal disciplinary hearing was needed.
Meanwhile, Konstas, making his Test debut, went on to score 60 off 65 balls. His performance helped Australia close the day at 311-6. Despite the clash, the match continued without further incidents.
