BGT 2024-25: Cricket Australia CEO commends Sam Konstas for maturing response to Kohli clash
Xtra Time Web Desk: Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has lauded the maturity displayed by teenage debutant Sam Konstas, particularly in his response to a physical altercation with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test.
The incident occurred following Konstas' remarkable innings, where the 19-year-old scored 60 runs off 65 balls, taking on India’s Jasprit Bumrah. In the 10th over, while crossing paths, Konstas and Kohli bumped shoulders, exchanged looks, and briefly engaged in a verbal confrontation. Australian opener Usman Khawaja swiftly intervened, placing his arm around Kohli to defuse the situation, while the umpires quickly stepped in to restore order.
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Afterward, Kohli was charged with a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. He accepted the charges proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft and was fined 20% of his match fee.
Commenting on the incident, Hockley acknowledged the seriousness of physical contact on the cricket field, stating, "Not a great look I mean you know physical contact on the cricket field is a complete no-no, so it wasn't great." He further added, "I think clearly Virat in accepting the charge has taken responsibility."
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Konstas, however, downplayed the altercation, claiming that Kohli had unintentionally bumped into him. Hockley praised the teenager for his response, calling it "maturity beyond his years" and noting how graciously Konstas handled the situation.
The Cricket Australia CEO also reflected on the competitive intensity of the series, noting, "What it does is it highlights just the intensity of the competition but also just how much is at stake in this series but yeah not a great look."
Kohli also received one demerit point for the incident. When asked if the penalty was sufficient, Hockley deferred to the officials, stating, "I think that’s for the for the officials. I've got a really experienced panel of officials here... the main thing is that kind of Virat has accepted the charge and taken responsibility.
