Michael Vaughan on Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas: Many former players did not like Virat Kohli’s clash with young Sam Constas on Thursday and Australia opener Usman Khawaja says he intervened to defuse the tension as he did not want the situation to get out of hand. Khawaja was at the crease when the incident occurred in the 10th over of the Australian innings on the first day of the fourth Test. Kohli and Constas’ shoulders collided and both started looking at each other, after which there was a heated argument between them.
Khawaja immediately put his hand around Kohli’s neck and separated him. The on-field umpires also talked to both of them, after which the matter soon calmed down. Khawaja told ABC: “I was going the other way and as soon as I looked back, I saw them hitting. I was like, ‘What’s happening?’ Sammy was playing aggressively. I just came to calm the situation.
He said, “The feelings are fine. But there was a little tension going on the whole time between Sam and (Jasprit) Bumrah and Virat. But I did not want it to be spoiled by any physical contact.” Khawaja said, “I have known Virat for a long time. We have been friends for a long time. I said (to Constas), ‘Remain calm. I will talk to him. You remain calm, and I will sort it out.’
Former players Justin Langer, Michael Vaughan and umpire Simon Taufel also feel that Kohli was at fault. Former Australia coach Langer said during commentary for ‘Seven Network’, “We don’t like to see this in any cricket.”
Vaughan told ‘Fox Cricket’, “Virat Kohli is such an experienced professional player. It is not right to take out anger on a 19-year-old player. It was Virat who went and collided with Sam.” Taufel said, “It seems that Virat Kohli is changing his place to face Sam Constas and going towards him.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined India’s star batsman 20 percent of his match fee for clashing with Kontas and also added one demerit point to his account. But it seems that the Australian media is not happy with this minor punishment of ICC.
The ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ wrote, “Virat Kohli is free to play in the Sydney Test after avoiding suspension for his collision with Australian youngster Sam Constas during the dramatic start of the ‘Boxing Day’ Test.”
FoxSports’ headline was, “Got it all wrong”: Kohli surprises as star, escapes ban for ridiculous clash with Australian teen.”