Pat Cummins is back: Australia has named their lineup for the opening Test match against South Africa, at Brisbane's Gabba on Saturday, December 17. After being out from the second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide, skipper Pat Cummins has rejoined the team.



The Australian skipper was a major doubt for the series opener against Dean Elgar's South Africa after sustaining a quadriceps injury during the first Test against the Windies in Perth. He missed the day-night clash against Proteas. With Steve Smith leading the team in Cummins' absence, Australia easily cruised to a 419-run victory to seal a 2-0 series victory.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Australia-victory-1-1.jpg" alt="Pat Cummins confirmed his return to Australia's XI" class="wp-image-98800" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Australia celebrate winning the Frank Worrell Trophy (Twitter)</figcaption></figure>



Since making his debut in the Ashes last year, Scott Boland has been nothing short of brilliant. Head coach Andrew McDonald strongly hinted at his inclusion earlier this week. Cummins will so take Michael Neser's position in the lineup from Adelaide's thrashing of the West Indies.



As per Cummins' prediction, the pacers will benefit from some grass on the track. He quickly clarified, though, that bowlers must still perform effectively and avoid being coxed by the available seam.



<a href="https://www.cricket.com.au/news/australia-xi-confirmed-pat-cummins-captain-south-africa-gabba-first-test-selection/2022-12-16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cummins</a> quoted "A couple of the boys said it's similar to what they've seen here in the past. It looks like there's a bit of grass. So we'll see how it looks tomorrow. They'll give it a final cut. It always looks pretty green here a couple of days out, then on the morning of day one it looks a bit different."



"The last couple of years it's played a bit differently to how it has in the past. It's a funny one the Gabba ? even if it has got grass on it, you do really need to bowl well. It's got a bit of bounce normally here. You can get carried away with the seam but you still need to hit the stumps," the Australian skipper added.



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<h4>Pat Cummins led Australian Playing XI</h4>



Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(wk), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.



<h2>Men's NRMA Insurance Test Series v South Africa</h2>



Dec 17-21: First Test, Gabba, 11:20 am AEDT



Dec 26-30: Second Test, MCG, 10:30 am AEDT



Jan 4-8: Third Test, SCG, 10:30 am AEDT



<h2>Australia vs South Africa | Test series | Squads</h2>



Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner



South Africa squad: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Eree, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo



Visit?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC CRICKET SCHEDULE</a>?for more cricketing updates.

Pat Cummins is back as Australia locked in their Playing-11 for the 1st Test match against SA.

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India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Virat Kohli has become the target of Australian media ever since India has reached the Melbourne. He was involved in a fight with Australian media and then, during the ongoing match, was also seen having a heated exchange with young opener Sam Konstas. 
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between over, and after that, were seen having a heated argument. This saw Batter facing a lot of criticism for having a go at a young player who was making his debut for Australia. 
The Australian media, along with various Australian experts and former cricketers, went hard at Virat Kohli. Not only this, even the crowd was against the senior India batter as he got boos when the premier batter walked out to bat on the Day Two of the ongoing Test. 
<h2>Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style</h2>
Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style and with his bat. He looked in great touch as he played some crisp shots in his innings and with the way he was going, it was expected that he would get a big score.
Virat Kohli was highly cautious against the balls outside off early on his innings and, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, added over 100 runs partnership. But the demons of the outside off stump came to haunt him again as he was back in the hut after a valuable start. 
Virat Kohli was removed by Scott Boland as he poked at the ball outside off and was caught by Alex Carey behind the stumps. The premier Indian batter was back in the hut after 36 runs, but what caught the attention of many was he fought with the crowd on his way back. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>
As he was going inside the dressing room, some of the fans near the entrance told him something. The batter, however, came up back and shared some words with the fans before going back in extreme anger. You can see the video below:

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: 'Angry' Virat Kohli fights with fans at MCG after getting out for 36 runs

watch-angry-virat-kohli-fights-with-fans-at-mcg-after-getting-out-for-36-runs-

In what proves to be a massive and a remarkable achievement, Australian Cricket Team's elite batsman Steven Smith has broken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's prestigious record following his splendid hundred in the ongoing 4th test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at the fourth spot in the batting-order, the former Aussie skipper slammed an incredible ton, helping the Kangaroos gain the upper-hand in the do-or-die encounter at the iconic stadium. 
The 35-year-old who failed to meet the expectations of the Australian fans in the Adelaide and Perth Test-Matches, rediscovered his magic with the bat with the help of a wonderful ton in the Gabba Test-match. He didn't let his good momentum go away, slamming yet another important century and helped the Kangaroos post a huge first inning score in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match. In this process, the former Australian skipper also broken Tendulkar's record of slamming the highest number of centuries in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
<h3>List of batters to have slammed the highest number of centuries in the history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series</h3>
<table id="table-m561o8g4" border="1" style="width: 100.732%; height: 112px;">
<tbody>
<tr id="row0" style="height: 10px;">
<th id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 10px;">Batter</th>
<th id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 10px;">Innings</th>
<th id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 10px;">Hundreds</th>
</tr>
<tr id="row1" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Steve Smith</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">41</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row2" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">65</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row3" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Virat Kohli</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">47</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row4" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">51</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row5" style="height: 22px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">Michael Clarke</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">40</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Prior to his inning of 140 runs at the MCG, Smith had scored the same number of BGT tons as Kohli &amp; Tendulkar. So, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli also has an opportunity to go past the little master and match Smith if he slams a hundred in the Boxing-Day Test.
<h2>Steve Smith goes past Joe Root with his century in Melbourne</h2>
Records keep flowing from the bat of Elite Australian batter Steve Smith and with the help of 34th Test ton in Melbourne, he has now become the player who has scored the most centuries in the history of Test cricket versus the Indian Team i.e 11 centuries.
Before Smith, this record was in the name of England's Joe Root who has slammed 10 incredible tons versus the Men in Blue. Apart from him, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Vivian Richards and Gary Sobers have also scored 8 centuries each against India.
Also, Smith has now equalled Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younus Khan and Mahela Jayawadene in terms of scoring the most centuries in the history of the five-day format. All of these legendary players had scored 34 centuries in Test cricket. This is also Smith's 46th century in his international career.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Steven Smith of Australia celebrates scoring his 34 test ton in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus India at the MCG | Image: Getty Images

Steven Smith of Australia has broken multiple records with the help of his 34th Test century in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus Team India

Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy

Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne is hosting the Boxing Day Test between the teams. 
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj made sure that they gave the Australian team a taste of their own medicine. The duo were seen continuously going into the head of the opposition batters, in particular Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne. 
As they were all over the Australia batters, Mohammed Siraj had a light conversation with Marnus Labuschagne. It was then that Virat Kohli ordered the pacer to keep the intensity high and told him not to laugh. The batter was passing inputs to the pacer, and it was caught on the stump mic. 
Virat Kohli was heard telling pacer Mohammed Siraj, "Has ke baat nahi karna inse (Don't smile while talking to them)," However, after when Mohammed Siraj  exchanged words with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. You can watch the video below: 
<h2>Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high</h2>
Coming to the match, Australia started the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on high. The hosts had a great day with the bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. They were off to a brutal start with the bat, thanks to debutant Sam Konstas (60). 
The 19-year-old took the attack to the Indian bowlers, in particular Jasprit Bumrah, from the start and raced away to his half-century. He, along with Usman Khawaja (57), added 89 runs for the opening partnership before Marnus Labuschagne (72) joined Khawaja, and the duo put on 65 runs. 
Steve Smith (68*) also slammed a vital half-century and kept batting till the end. India made a slight comeback after the wicket of Marnus as they picked quick wickets. Alex Carey (31) also came up with a handy effort as Australia ended day one with Smith and skipper Pat Cummins at 311 for six crease.
<h2>"Has ke baat nahi karna inse - Virat KOhli to Mohammed Siraj</h2>

Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli were at their aggressive best during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Watch: "Has ke baat nahi karna inse"- Virat Kohli orders Mohammed Siraj to go hard at MCG

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India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the two teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Rohit Sharma was left pretty frustrated in the first two sessions of the match as Australia had a great time with the bat. The Pat Cummins-led side came up with a magical batting effort, especially from the top four batters Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, who all slammed half-centuries. 
Rohit Sharma tried different things, but nothing seemed to be going his way as Australia's batters kept smashing runs. This also saw India's captain going hard at his players, and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was at the receiving end of the thrashing. 
It happened during Ravindra Jadeja's over when the all-rounder was bowling to Steve Smith. The Australian batter defended the ball, which went straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was standing near the wicket at the square leg region. He came up with a bizarre effort, and this didn't go well with Rohit Sharma. 
 <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
As the ball went towards Yashasvi Jaiswal, instead of fielding, he jumped and saved himself. This made Rohit Sharma angry as he was seen telling the batter: "Ay Jaisu, Gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Niche baith ke reh. Jab tak ball khelega nahi, uthne ka nahi. Niche baith ke reh." You can see the video below: 
However, after the first session, India made a strong comeback as they picked up a few quick wickets and brought themselves back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah, who was taken for cleaners in the first session, picked three wickets and brought some hope for relief for fans. 
Australia at stumps were 311 for six. Steve Smith was unbeaten at 68. India and captain Rohit Sharma will be hoping that they pick early wickets on Day 2 and come up with a better performance with the bat.
Also Read: Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>
<h2>Watch: Rohit Sharma scolds Yashasvi Jaiswal </h2>

India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: Rohit Sharma attacks Yashasvi Jaiswal with "Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya?"

watch-rohit-sharma-attacks-yashasvi-jaiswal-with-jaisu-gully-cricket-khel-raha-hai-kya-

Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. He said that he was doing his gloves and the senior batter accidentally bumped him. 
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia started on a high note as day one of the game witnessed an enthralling day of cricket. Not only this, the tensions were high as well as Indian players had their go at the Australian players, and it lifted the crowds. 
One of the highlights of Day 1 came between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. The two were engaged in a heated argument in the first session of the day. It was then the Australian debutant started taking attacks on the Indian bowlers and slammed them all over the park. 
Sam Konstas, in particular, slammed Jasprit Bumrah all over the park. He played unorthodox shots and reversed-scooped him for six. While the battle between pacers and batter was going high, Virat Kohli was having a go at a batter behind the stumps. 
But the tensions flared up after the 10th over of the innings. After the over ended, Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs. Immediately after that, they shared a heated exchange of words before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to separate the batters. 
<h2>"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me - Sam Konstas on fight with Virat Kohli</h2>
This became a massive headline, but Australia batter Sam Konstas has now opened up about the entire incident. He said that Virat Kohli accidentally bumped him but mentioned that he, too, was trying to get into the contest. 
Sam Konstas revealed that he was trying to bring out the best version of himself. He feels that things getting heated up brought the best out of him, and he wants to carry on the confidence in the second innings. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension. 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, but that's good for me. I feel it brings the best out of me. Hopefully, it carries on in the next innings.". 
Konstas was the shining light for Australia on Day 1. The batter played aggressively and scored 60 runs off 65 balls, which ensured Australia got off to a brutal start with the bat.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India.

"It carries on in the next innings" - Sam Konstas breaks silence on fight with Virat Kohli

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India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the fourth Test against Australia, which is taking place in Melbourne. He mentioned that the batter isn't dropped but couldn't find way in the combination. 
The fourth Test between India and Australia commenced on Thursday (26th December). It is a Boxing-day Test, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne and saw the enthralling day of cricket on Day 1 of the match. 
India's team made a massive change going into the game as young batter Shubman Gill was dropped from the team. In his place, the Rohit Sharma-led side included all-rounder, Washington Sundar, looking at the conditions, which looked pretty flat on Day 1 of the match. 
Shubman Gill getting dropped didn't go well with many fans and experts as they lashed out at the Indian team management for their poor decision. This is because the right-hander is the second-leading run-getter for the team in the longest format of the game this year, with over 800 runs. 
<h2> I feel for Shubman but he understands - Abhishek Nayar </h2>
But, Abhishek Nayar, Indian assistant coach, confirmed that Shubman isn't dropped. He said that he felt that Washington Sundar could be handy on the wicket along with Ravindra Jadeja. While mentioning that he feels for the young batter, Nayar said the batter was on the same page with the Team. Speaking to reporters, he said: 
"Looking at the pitch, we felt Washi could give solidarity along with Jaddu. I feel for Shubman but he understands. He’s not really dropped, just couldn’t find his way in the combination." 
Not only this, Abhishek Nayar also confirmed that Rohit Sharma will be opening the innings for the team. This means that KL Rahul will walk out to bat at No.3 and the team management would be hoping that the move pays off and India wins the game. 
Coming to the match, Australia had a great day with the bat after opting to bat first. They piled up a massive total of 311 runs, with the top four batters slamming half-centuries and putting India bowlers under pressure. It remains to be seen what will be India's response on Day 2.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the fourth Test against Australia

Abhishek Nayar opens up about why Shubman Gill was dropped! Reveals where will Rohit Sharma bat at MCG

abhishek-nayar-opens-up-about-why-shubman-gill-was-dropped-reveals-where-will-rohit-sharma-bat-at-mcg-

In the currently ongoing fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India in Melbourne, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli collided with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. A video of this incident is going viral on social media platforms. 
A heated argument took place between the two players on the field and the umpires were forced to intervene and cool down the situation. But the question which arises is, will the ICC suspend Kohli from participating in the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match? In this article, we will be taking a look at the ICC rule under which the former Indian skipper can be proven guilty. 
<h2>What exactly happened on the field in Melbourne? </h2>
First of all, let's know what exactly happened on the field. Indian vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah was bowling the 11th over of the match and debutant Sam Konstas was hitting big shots constantly off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj and even Bumrah himself. 
Watch the full video here- <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
In such a situation, during the 11th over while cleaning the ball, Kohli was moving towards Konstas and at that point of time, both of them collided with each other as the former Indian skipper clashed his shoulder with the youngster. On watching the video carefully, it can be seen that Virat did the shoulder clash on purpose with the 19-year-old.
<h2>What do the rules of ICC say? </h2>
According to the rulebook of the ICC, article 2.1 states that a player can be punished if he gets involved in inappropriate physical-contact with a opposition player, support staff of the players, match-referee, umpires or any other person on the Cricket field. 
Such incidents have happened before in the past and considering the history of such incidents, Virat will not be getting harsh punishment like a one-match suspension or ban. However, the match-referee can definitely give the 35-year-old a demerit point and a deduction in his match-fee as a punishment. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">. </a>

Sam Konstas (L) of Australia and Virat Kohli (R) of Indian exchanging words with each other in the Boxing-Day Test-Match in Melbourne as Ravindra Jadeja of India (C) watches | Image: Getty Images

In ongoing Boxing-Day Test between Australia and India, a heated moment took place on the field as experienced Indian player Virat Kohli got involved in a shoulder clash with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. We will take a look at whether ICC can suspend Kohli or not for this incident.

Will ICC suspend Virat Kohli from playing in the final BGT Test match for clashing with Sam Konstas in Melbourne?

will-icc-suspend-virat-kohli-from-playing-in-the-final-bgt-test-match-for-clashing-with-sam-konstas-in-melbourne-

VIRAT Kohli Vs SAM Konstat: The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground turned fiery during the morning session as Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas found themselves in a mid-pitch showdown. The clash unfolded in the 10th over when Kohli, with the ball in hand, and Konstas, walking from the crease, bumped shoulders unexpectedly.
Both players stopped in their tracks, turning back to exchange sharp words. It wasn’t long before Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ opening partner, stepped in to defuse the tension, putting a calming arm around Kohli. Although the argument didn’t last long, it was enough to set the tone for a charged session.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO- <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321">CLICK HERE</a>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676ce4a4c251e.jpg" alt="">
Replays added layers to the drama, revealing Kohli straying far from his position on the field and walking into Konstas’ path. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting didn't hold back, providing commentary on Channel 7. “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind,” he remarked, suggesting Kohli deliberately sought the encounter.
Sam Konstas, later reflecting on the incident with Channel 7, dismissed it as a heat-of-the-moment scuffle. “I didn’t even realize it was happening at first,” said the 19-year-old. “I was adjusting my gloves, and then there was this shoulder bump. These things happen in cricket, though.”
The fiery exchange also drew comments from umpiring legend Simon Taufel, who pointed out that the collision might fall under “inappropriate physical contact” as per the ICC Code of Conduct. “Virat clearly changed his line and entered Sam’s personal space. This will likely be reviewed after play,” Taufel explained.
Even Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar weighed in, saying, “These things are avoidable. It’s like walking down a crowded street—you see someone coming, and you just sidestep. It doesn’t make you any smaller. We don’t want this on the cricket field.” Gavaskar also speculated that fines could be in order, depending on how the match officials interpreted the footage.
Despite the confrontation, Konstas made a memorable Test debut. After a slow start, he unleashed a dazzling counterattack, reverse-scooping Jasprit Bumrah for a six over slips and later pulling off a more traditional scoop for four. His audacity shook the Indian bowling attack, and he raced to 60 runs off just 65 balls before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw before lunch.
As tensions simmered on and off the field, the incident between Kohli and Konstas became the highlight of the day’s play. While debates raged over whether Kohli crossed the line, the focus ultimately shifted back to the young Australian, who showed remarkable poise and skill under pressure, making his mark in one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/preview/watch-virat-vs-sam-konstas-on-field-heated-exchange-sunil-gavaskar-not-impressed/">Shocking! Pakistan drops Abdullah Shafique as they announce XI for the Boxing-day Test against SA</a>

Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas clashed mid-pitch during the Boxing Day Test, sparking debates over sportsmanship. Despite the altercation, Konstas shone with a bold 60-run knock, impressing on his Test debut.

Kohli's heated encounter with debutant Konstas added drama to the MCG Test, but Konstas stole the show with his fearless batting.

WATCH Virat vs Sam Konstas on-field Heated Exchange! Sunil Gavaskar NOT Impressed

watch-virat-vs-sam-konstas-on-field-heated-exchange-sunil-gavaskar-not-impressed

The fourth Test and the Boxing-Day Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India kicks off from tomorrow. The series is currently level at 1-1 as the third Test-Match in Brisbane ended in a draw. The upcoming Boxing-Day Test will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and this proves to be a major boost to the confidence of the Indian Team. 
The MCG is a ground where the Men in Blue have created a lot of records. In the last 76 years, the Indians have participated in 14 Test-Matches in Melbourne and have managed to win four of them
<h2>Face to face</h2>
The Blue Army have not lost a single match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since the the Boxing-Day Test-Match in December of 2011. They have secured victories in one contest and two encounters have ended as draws. Overall, Team India has managed to reign supreme in four contests out of 14, suffering defeats in the other eight games. Two games have ended as draws. 
<h3>Team India at the MCG</h3>
The Men in Blue secured a comfortable win in the 2021-22 Boxing-Day Test-Match versus the Mighty Aussies even without Virat Kohli. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant knock of 112 runs were crucial in the team's victory. 
In the BGT series of 2018-19, the Indians secured yet another victory which was also their first at the MCG since 2011, thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara's 106 runs knock and the nine wickets taken by Jasprit Bumrah. The 2014-15 MCG Boxing-Day Test-Match between Australia and India ended in a draw. 
The Men in Blue played their 1st test at the MCG in 1948 and it was the third match of the five-match Test-Series versus the Kangaroos. The Australians ended up winning that match by a comfortable margin of 233 runs. The main highlight of that contest was two back-to-back centuries by the legendary Sir Don Bradman. Vinoo Mankad also slammed a hundred for the Indian Team. 
The Men in Blue won their first ever Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the year 1977 thanks to Bhagwat Chandrasekhar's 12-wicket haul and a century by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar in the third inning of that contest. The team won that encounter by a margin of 222 runs. 
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-getter for India at the MCG with 449 runs at an average of 44.9. The most wickets are taken by Anil Kumble and Jasprit Bumrah. Both have taken 15 wickets each. India's highest score at the venue is 465, scored in 2014-15. Kohli has scored 316 runs at the MCG at an average of 52.66. That is why Indian fans are eagerly waiting for the Kohli-Bumrah partnership.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-smith-and-cummins-eye-huge-milestones-in-boxing-day-test-versus-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS: Smith and Cummins eye huge milestones in Boxing Day Test versus India</a>

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill of India celebrating a wicket with Mohammed Siraj in the Gabba Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

The Indian Cricket Team haven't lost a single match at the MCG since 2011 and this ground has proven to be a lucky one for them. They have played 14 Tests in Melbourne in the last 76 years, winning four of them.