India’s Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee for an on-field altercation with Australia’s debutant opener Sam Konstas on the opening day of the fourth Test in Melbourne. The incident occurred at the end of the 10th over when Kohli, 36, appeared to change direction and shoulder-barge the 19-year-old Konstas as the latter walked down the pitch to consult his batting partner, Usman Khawaja.
The altercation escalated into an exchange of words before umpires and Khawaja intervened to diffuse the situation. Match referee Andy Pycroft confirmed that Kohli’s actions breached the ICC’s code of conduct regarding “inappropriate physical contact.”
In addition to the fine, Kohli was handed one demerit point but remains eligible to play the fifth and final Test in Sydney next month. The ICC reported that Kohli accepted the punishment, avoiding a formal disciplinary hearing.
Despite the confrontation, Konstas shone in his debut, scoring a brisk 60 off 65 balls to contribute to Australia’s strong total of 311-6 at the close of play.