BGT 2024-25: Kohli shows sportsmanship to Steve Smith sfter controversial incident with Konstas
Xtra Time Web Desk: After facing criticism for his altercation with Sam Konstas, Virat Kohli demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship with a heartwarming gesture towards Steve Smith during the Boxing Day Test. Kohli approached the former Australian captain on Day 2 at the MCG, patting him on the back after Smith scored his 34th Test century.
The gesture of goodwill came after Kohli faced boos from the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian cricket star is enduring a tough phase in Australia, with his batting form struggling and controversies adding to his challenges. With this potentially being his final tour of Australia as an Indian cricketer, Kohli is under pressure to regain his form and help lead his team to success.
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Earlier in the match, Kohli found himself in trouble with the International Cricket Council (ICC), who fined him 20% of his match fees and handed him a demerit point for shoulder-charging Konstas on the opening day. According to Article 2.12 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, cricket is a non-contact sport, and physical nudges like this are prohibited.
Meanwhile, Smith took full advantage of a lackluster Indian performance to score his 34th Test century, guiding Australia to a dominant position at 454 for 7 by lunch on Day 2. Smith, unbeaten on 139 off 194 balls, had resumed the day on 68 from 111 balls. He reached his century in just 56 deliveries, equalling Sunil Gavaskar's record for most Test centuries.
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This century was Smith’s 11th against India, the most by any batter in Test cricket. It was also his fifth century at the MCG, where his highest score remains 192 against India. Smith’s 34th Test hundred places him among the greats of cricket, tying with legends like Gavaskar, Mahela Jayawardene, Brian Lara, and Younis Khan. He is now only 52 runs shy of joining the prestigious 10,000 Test-run club.
