"One whole pitch to his right" - Aussie legend calls out Virat Kohli for bumping into Sam Konstas on Day 1 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Australian legend Ricky Ponting has slammed Virat Kohli for bumping into 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Konstas debuted for Australia today (December 26), replacing Nathan McSweeney in the playing XI.

Konstas' ultra-aggressive approach against India's new ball bowlers surprised the visiting team. Only in the third over of the Test, the right-hander played a reverse scoop for six runs of Jasprit Bumrah, who is bowling at the peak of his prowess. He took 34 runs off Bumrah's opening spell - the most by a batter in red-ball cricket so far.

After the 10th over of the match, Kohli barged into Sam Konstas' shoulder while passing by before the two exchanged a few heated words. The umpires had to intervene to calm things down. The former India skipper also gave a death stare to the youngster right before the incident.

Ponting, meanwhile, was not happy with Virat Kohli's actions and called out the ace batter. Speaking on air (via 7Cricket), the former Aussie skipper said:

"Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever."

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Sam Konstas departs for a well-compiled 60 off 65 balls on debut

The youngster seemed unfazed by the Kohli incident and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in the next over. He continued his carnage to reach his maiden half-century in front of a packed Melbourne crowd.

India skipper Rohit Sharma introduced left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja soon after, who trapped Konstas in his first over, but the umpire ruled it not out. However, Jadeja got the batter of the youngster in his second over.

It was a fuller delivery and the ball skidded on after pitching. It beat Konstas' defense to hit him right in front of the wicket and the umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger.

Sam Konstas smashed six boundaries and two sixes for his 60 off 65 balls. The knock also gave Australia a good platform in the first session of the Test match, sitting well at 94/1 at the time of writing.