On a dramatic opening day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Australia showcased their batting prowess. However, the spotlight shifted to an incident involving India's senior batsman Virat Kohli and 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas, who were engaged in a mid-pitch confrontation during the first session. This altercation drew criticism from former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who chastised Kohli for his "unnecessary" behaviour.

The confrontation occurred in the 10th over of the session when Kohli made contact with Konstas while manoeuvring across the pitch. The situation escalated quickly, prompting intervention from Konstas' opening partner Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough.

Subsequent replays revealed that after facing the last delivery of the 10th over, Konstas turned and walked directly to the opposite end of the crease, while Kohli approached from outside the crease and collided with the Australian opener.

In an interview with Fox Cricket, Shastri expressed his astonishment at the incident, criticizing Kohli for his "unnecessary" actions. 

“It’s unnecessary, totally unnecessary … you don’t want to see that,” he remarked during the tea break. “He’ll have his own explanations in regards to that, but it’s something that you don’t want to see.”

The ICC has issued a warning as a prominent Indian player avoids suspension

Kohli was penalized 20 per cent of his match fees and received one demerit point for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other individual (including a spectator during an International Match)." A formal hearing was unnecessary as Kohli accepted the penalties.

Earlier that day, Australian journalist Peter Lalor cautioned the ICC about potential scrutiny regarding the officiating of matches if Kohli were to avoid suspension. 

“Virat Kohli's actions were quite disappointing. He should face consequences for that, and if he does not, it raises significant questions about the officiating of the game. A player cannot simply deviate from their position and charge at another. Everyone I speak to believes they will find a way to avoid suspending Virat Kohli. However, he should be suspended because his actions were unequivocally wrong,” he stated during commentary on SEN Cricket.

Lalor also referenced the incident involving Kagiso Rabada during the 2018 series between South Africa and Australia, where the fast bowler made physical contact with departing batsman Steven Smith, akin to Kohli's interaction with Konstas. Rabada received three demerit points and was subsequently suspended after accumulating eight demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in a two-match suspension. Nevertheless, Lalor expressed his belief that while Kohli warranted four demerit points, he would likely evade suspension as the ICC would find a justification.

He remarked, “There should be absolutely no physical contact in cricket. If Kagiso Rabada received three points for a level two offence, then this incident should warrant four points, leading to a suspension. However, I am convinced that will not occur. The game always seems to find a way to excuse such behaviour. It is essential to establish clear boundaries.”

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