Virat Kohli fined for bumping into Sam Konstas

The ICC has reportedly handed out punishment to India batting superstar Virat Kohli for shoulder-bumping Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the first day of the 4th Test that got underway in Melbourne on Thursday. Kohli has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and one demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record, according to a report in Cricbuzz.

The incident unfolded after the end of the 10th over of the Australian innings when Kohli and Konstas shoulder-bumped while crossing over.

An annoyed Konstas then confronted Kohli before Usman Khawaja and the on-field umpire intervened.

Konstas was batting on 27 when the collision happened and he went on to belt two fours and a six in the next over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.

“Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, that’s cricket and can happen with tension," Konstas told reporters.

“I think the emotions got to both of us," Konstas had told ‘Channel 7’ during the second session. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket," he added.

As per the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, the incident falls under Law 2.12 which deals with “Inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match."

Australian legend Ricky Ponting said Kohli instigated the confrontation.

“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever," Ponting said on Channel 7.

Konstas made a memorable start to his Test career with a sparkling half-century. He scored 60 off 65, an innings featuring six fours and two sixes.

Australia reached 311/6 in 86 overs at stumps on the opening day with Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja hitting half-centuries.