Virat Kohli Penalized: Match Referee Punishes Him for Collision with Sam Constance

On the first day of the Melbourne Test, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was fined for his collision with Australian batter Sam Constance. The match referee imposed a 20% fine of Kohli's match fee for finding him guilty of a Level 1 offense. Kohli received one demerit point along with this fine, which prevented suspension from the next match.

Kohli Admits Guilt Before Match Referee

After the day's play, Kohli faced match referee Andy Pycroft. Kohli confessed that it was indeed his mistake. This occurred after the 10th over. Kohli was making his way towards the slip cordon. In this process, he collided with the 19-year-old Constance who was running between the ends to change ends. Immediately after this, he was criticized for his behaviour by the spectators and the cricket analysts as well.

Backlash from Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri, commentating during the match, slammed Kohli for his actions, saying, "There was no need for this." Shastri further added that Kohli has been punished for his action multiple times in Australia as in his first tour itself Kohli made an inappropriate gesture to the crowd. He remembered the same as his first disciplinary action for his actions.

Sam Constance's Impressive Batting

Despite the incident, Sam Constance batted very well on his Test debut. Smashing two sixes off Jasprit Bumrah, on debut, the 19-year-old played a solid match to score 60 from 65 balls. Constance helped set up a crucial 89 run-stand with Usman Khawaja in 19.2 overs, which left much to be desired for people and cricketing fraternity regarding the youngster.