[Watch] Tensions flare as Virat Kohli makes shoulder contact with Australian opener on Day 1 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Team India's batting star Virat Kohli seemingly shoulder-barged Australia opener Sam Konstas on Day 1 (Thursday, December 26) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar series Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In a video that has surfaced on social media, the two went past one another in between overs when the eye-catching incident occurred at the electrifying venue.

The incident took place following the 10th over of the innings, with the 19-year-old Australian debutant going off the blocks to give his side an outstanding start. With Kohli holding the ball in hand and Konstas walking in the opposite way, the former tackled him with his shoulder and the two visibly exchanged a few words. The teenage prodigy's opening partner Usman Khawaja intervened.

Konstas, meanwhile, became the national team's 468th Test cricketer and has plundered a half-century on debut to give the home side an early advantage after Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first. It was also the first time in the series that Cummins won the toss.

Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney in Australia's line-up for the fourth BGT Test

Sam Konstas. (Image Credits: Getty)

With Nathan McSweeney struggling against India's new-ball bowlers in the first three Tests, the selectors decided to replace him with the New South Welshman, with their call getting vindicated thus far. McSweeney was dismissed four times out of six by Jasprit Bumrah, as was Khawaja, whose highest score in the three Tests so far is 21.

Australia had to make one more change, drafting in Scott Boland for the injured Josh Hazlewood, who walked off in the middle of the third Test in Brisbane due to a sore calf.

By contrast, India triggered one change to their line-up, bringing in an extra spinner in Washington Sundar and leaving out Shubman Gill. The tourists won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs but Cummins and company bounced back with a 10-wicket victory in the second game in Adelaide.