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Xtra Time Web Desk: Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an unexpected interruption when a pitch invader ran onto the field, attempting to hug Indian batting star Virat Kohli. The incident unfolded swiftly, with security personnel stepping in to remove the intruder and restore order, allowing play to continue without delay.
The pitch invader initially approached Rohit Sharma, who was stationed in the slip cordon, before turning his attention to Kohli. Despite evading security for a brief moment, the intruder was swiftly intercepted and escorted off the ground by officials clad in yellow uniforms. The disruption momentarily halted the match, but the game resumed shortly thereafter without further issues.
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This incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened emotions at the MCG, where Kohli has been the center of attention. On Day 1, the 36-year-old batsman was booed by sections of the crowd following a shoulder barge involving Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas. The altercation added fuel to the intense rivalry of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with Kohli responding defiantly to the jeers from the stands. Watch the video here:
— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) December 27, 2024
Looks like the same pitch invader today at the MCG and Narendra Modi Stadium in 2023 at the World Cup Final. #AUSvIND #MCG pic.twitter.com/6fqr6C1Tuj
— Robert Cianflone (@Sportsnapper71) December 27, 2024
Day 2 of the ongoing Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw tempers flare as Indian captain Rohit Sharma momentarily lost his cool following a pitch invader’s brief disruption.
Adding to the drama, Virat Kohli remained in the spotlight after being booed by home fans for his aggressive shoulder barge on Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1—a move that sparked widespread criticism from cricket experts. Meanwhile, India’s bowlers struggled to make an impact with the second new ball, as Steve Smith and skipper Pat Cummins took advantage of inconsistent bowling and sloppy fielding to stitch a vital 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Ravindra Jadeja finally dismissed Cummins.
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The 19-year-old Konstas, however, continued to impress with a fearless approach, launching two sixes off India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah—one of which marked the first time Bumrah had been hit for a six in Tests since Cameron Green’s strike three years ago. With over 87,000 spectators creating a charged atmosphere, the stage remained set for high-octane cricket as both teams battled hard in this gripping contest.
