Think Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, altercations fire me up: Sam Konstas
Australian opener Sam Konstas played down his on-field bust-up with Virat Kohli, saying he felt the former India captain “accidentally” bumped into him on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Konstas, however, highlighted that the spicy nature of the first session fired him up for his first-ever knock for Australia in Test cricket.
Virat Kohli created a stir when he appeared to deliberately bump into the 19-year-old opener, who was trying to put pressure on the Indian bowlers after Australia won the toss and opted to bat. Konstas was taking down Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with his audacious reverse scoops when the latter exchanged words with him.
AUS vs IND, 4th Test Day 1: Report | Highlights
Virat Kohli also kept chirping at Sam Konstas from the slip cordon, trying to affect the concentration of the debutant opener. Tension escalated when Kohli shouldered Konstas during the drinks break at the end of the 10th over of the Australian innings.
“I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that’s just cricket, just the tension,” Konstas told the press after a blazing 65-ball 60 on his debut.
It was widely speculated that Virat Kohli might be handed a one-match ban for deliberate physical contact with the opposition player. However, Kohli escaped suspension and was fined 20 percent of his match fee for the incident, sources told India Today..
“For me, I was just trying to get into the contest. I was just trying to bring the best version of myself against whoever I was facing. It got heated at times, that’s good for me. I feel it brings the best out of me. Hopefully, it carries on in the next innings,” he added.
SAM KONSTAS ON FACING ‘LEGEND’ BUMRAH
Right after the altercation with Kohli, Konstas charged down at Jasprit Bumrah and smashed him for a boundary. He tore into the World No. 1 fast bowler in the 11th over, hitting him for two boundaries and a six.
Konstas collected 34 runs in Bumrah’s first spell – the most by any batter against the in-form bowler in the history of Test cricket.
Speaking about his ramp shots against Bumrah, Konstas said they were all premeditated in a bid to throw Bumrah off his rhythm. Konstas struggled to put bat to ball in the first over of the match bowled by Bumrah. The youngster, however, altered his approach and took the unorthodox route to find success.
“I think I was getting used to the wicket. It was the first time I was facing him. I was getting used to his action. He beat my bat a few times, I was lucky enough to get a few away. But, it was a great contest,” Konstas said.
“Yeah, definitely premeditated. But, I was trying to keep my head still and watch the ball until it went off my bat. Got a few away today,” he added.
Konstas’s bold approach at the top of the order seemingly gave confidence to the rest of the Australian batting unit. Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne hit a fifty each as Australia reached 311 for 6 at stumps.
