Sam Konstas declares Virat Kohli 'not guilty' in shoulder-bump incident despite ICC's punishment

Australian opener Sam Konstas downplayed his on-field confrontation with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Konstas stated that Kohli accidentally bumped into him, adding that the incident motivated him and fired him up for his debut innings.

Virat and Konstas were involved in a heated altercation at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, December 26. The incident unfolded after the 10th over when Kohli appeared to deliberately bump into the 19-year-old opener, who had been playing aggressively against India’s bowlers.

I Think Virat Kohli Accidentally Bumped Me - Sam Konstas

Speaking after day one's play, Sam Konstas revealed that he was simply adjusting his gloves when Kohli accidentally bumped into him. Konstas said the tension was just part of the game and that he was focused on performing his best. He added that it brought out the best in him.

"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.

"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 Sets Record for Most Runs Against Jasprit Bumrah in Opening Spell

Kohli faced criticism from former cricketers, including Ricky Ponting, for his behavior during the match. There were speculations about Kohli receiving a one-match ban for intentional physical contact with Sam Konstas. However, he avoided suspension and was fined 20 percent of his match fee.

Following the altercation with Virat Kohli, Sam Konstas took on Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas scored 18 runs, including two fours and a six, in the 11th over. Overall, Konstas hit 34 runs off Bumrah's first spell, setting a record for the most runs scored by a batter against the bowler in an opening spell in Tests.

I Was Trying to Keep My Head Still and Watch the Ball - Sam Konstas

Konstas revealed that his ramp shots against Jasprit Bumrah were premeditated to disrupt the bowler's rhythm. He admitted that facing Bumrah for the first time was challenging, but he adapted to the wicket and Bumrah's unique action, which helped him execute some successful shots.

"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.

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