ICC takes prompt action against Virat Kohli for shoving Sam Konstas

It’s chilly here in India as the December cold sets in. However, things have been severely heated up as the Australian summer showcases the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Boxing Day Test, the penultimate fixture in the five-match BGT series, kicked off on Thursday. The much-anticipated contest started with Australia winning the toss and Pat Cummins opting to bat first at the MCG. The heat, however, seems to have seeped into the Indian side’s head as they try every bit of trick left in the bag to vie for another win. In a low blow, India's former skipper and one of the senior-most players, Virat Kohli, took a shot at the young Australian, Sam Konstas.

ICC finds Virat Kohli at fault in the Boxing Day Test with Sam Konstas

Sam Konstas debuted in the iconic Boxing Day Test as Australia replaced Nathan McSweeney in the opening position with the sensational youngster. Konstas, in the days preceding the fourth BGT fixture, appeared confident to face formidable India. In an endearing statement, the 19-year-old also expressed that he idolized Virat Kohli in the game. However, the meet-up with his idol didn't fare ideally for the Australian opener. Australia, with Konstas and Usman Khawaja, found a solid footing on the MCG pitch as Pat Cummins chose to bat first in the Boxing Day Test.

As India strived for a breakthrough, Virat Kohli went a little overboard in the antics he is known to pull against the Kangaroos. It's never a dull day when the modern-day legend takes the ground against Aussies, as he tries to get under their nerves. However, what he did on the opening day of the Test didn't reflect well on the part of a player this senior in the ranks. In the 10th over of the game, Virat Kohli visibly, intentionally walked into the path of Sam Konstas, who didn't budge as Kohli shoved him in the shoulder. The two exchanged a few words as Konstas didn't shy away from matching the tone that Kohli presented to him.

However, the intentional move by Kohli against the debutant was criticized heavily by the commentators, including Ricky Ponting, who called for sanctions against him. A few reports suggested that the ICC, if it probes into the incident, could hand a one-match ban to the Indian batter. However, the ICC intervened just hours after the incident. Taking note of what went down at the MCG, the council charged Virat Kohli for his less-than-likable demeanor against the Kangaroo. Notably, the ICC's sanction was kept limited to Kohli as Konstas came out blot-free from the scene.

While not as extensive as a ban from the game, the ICC clarified its stance against Kohli's action. The council fined 20% of the match fees of the seasoned batter. Furthermore, Kohli was handed 1 demerit point for charging against the Australian opener. As per the ICC, Kohli nudged the Australian, and cricket being a no-contact sport, doesn't need such interactions. Thus, Kohli was found to have breached one of the ICC's codes of conduct that specifies the prohibition of needless contact in the sport.