Ricky Ponting comments on verbal scuffle between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has accused Virat Kohli of starting a verbal confrontation with debutant Sam Konstas in the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The incident took place after the 10th over of the match, when Kohli was moving from one end to the other. As Kohli and Konstas passed each other, their shoulders bumped. Konstas immediately responded, and Kohli didn’t hesitate to reply.

Ponting, analyzing the situation, said the on-field umpires and match referee may look into the incident after the game. He mentioned that fielders know where the batsmen are going after an over and suggested that Kohli was at fault for the shoulder bump. Ponting also supported Konstas, saying the debutant didn’t have enough time to react when Kohli bumped into him.

"Virat walked the whole length of the pitch to the right and started that confrontation. There is no doubt in my mind. The umpires and referee will certainly review this. Fielders should stay away from batsmen at that time," Ponting said after the incident.

The ICC confirmed that the incident has been noted, and Virat Kohli will face disciplinary action. Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point for the altercation with Sam Konstas. 

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja and on-field umpire Michael Gough intervened to calm the situation. Konstas, despite the incident, played aggressively in his debut match, scoring 60 runs off 65 balls before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. His intense batting performance helped Khawaja score 57 runs.