Ricky Ponting faced criticism from fans after accusing Virat Kohli of instigating a verbal altercation with debutant Sam Konstas during Day 2 of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ponting's comments on Channel 7, blaming Kohli for walking over to confront Konstas, were met with backlash on social media. Fans reminded Ponting of his own controversial encounter with a 19-year-old Harbhajan Singh in 1998. Konstas impressed on his debut, scoring 60 off 65 balls, as Australia reached 311/6 at Stumps on Day 1. India struggled on Day 2, finishing at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs.

India’s hopes were dashed by a late collapse on Day 2 of the 4th Test in Melbourne, as they reached 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) had steadied the innings with a 102-run stand, but both were dismissed in quick succession. Australia’s first innings total of 474 was bolstered by Steve Smith’s 140, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4 wickets. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland claimed 2 wickets each for Australia. India will rely on Rishabh Pant to revive their innings on Day 3.

India reached 51/2 at Tea on Day 2 of the 4th Test against Australia at the MCG, losing KL Rahul’s wicket on the final ball before the break. Earlier, Australia posted 474, with Steve Smith scoring his 34th Test century and Pat Cummins narrowly missing a half-century. Jasprit Bumrah claimed 4 wickets for India. Rohit Sharma, opening the innings, was dismissed cheaply for 3 runs. As Virat Kohli walked out to bat, loud boos echoed through the stadium. The final session promises intense cricket as India looks to stabilize its innings.

The Indian cricket team donned black armbands on Day 2 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne to honor former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. Singh, India’s PM from 2004 to 2014, died at AIIMS Delhi due to age-related issues. The BCCI stated, “The Indian team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.” Meanwhile, Steve Smith scored his 34th Test century, solidifying Australia’s strong position. Pat Cummins added 49 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee and given a demerit point for bumping into Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the first day of the 4th Test in Melbourne on December 26, 2024. The incident occurred after the 10th over of the Australian innings when Kohli and Konstas collided. Konstas later said it was accidental, but emotions got the better of both players. The charge was brought under the ICC Code of Conduct for inappropriate physical contact. Kohli accepted the sanctions without a formal hearing.

Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas said, "Think Virat Kohli accidentally bumped into me, altercations fire me up," reflecting on his on-field exchange with the India star during Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Konstas, who scored an aggressive 60 off 65 balls, downplayed the incident, claiming Kohli’s physical contact was unintentional. The 19-year-old’s audacious knock, including reverse scoops against Jasprit Bumrah, helped Australia reach 311/6 at stumps. Konstas explained that the tension “brings the best out of me,” motivating his fiery approach. Kohli’s contact led to a fine but no suspension. Konstas’s batting inspired Australia’s top order.

Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fee after a heated altercation with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test. Kohli collided with Konstas during a drinks break, sparking criticism from commentators like Ricky Ponting, who alleged deliberate contact. The International Cricket Council (ICC) charged Kohli with a Level 1 offence, handing him one demerit point. Despite calls for stricter sanctions, Kohli avoided a ban. Konstas remained unfazed, contributing a vital 60 runs as Australia ended Day 1 at 311/6. Cricket legends criticized Kohli's actions as avoidable and unbecoming of a senior player.

India fought back on Day 1 of the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG after a blistering debut from Sam Konstas (60) and solid fifties from Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68*). Australia finished on 311/6, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the recovery, claiming three key wickets. Konstas, in particular, impressed with his aggressive batting, taking on Bumrah and Siraj with ease. India’s pace attack fought back in the final session, dismissing four Australian batsmen to reduce the damage, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 2.

During the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, debutant Sam Konstas clashed with his "favourite player" Virat Kohli, sparking a heated altercation on Day 1. Konstas, who scored an explosive 60 runs, acknowledged that emotions got the best of both players. Speaking post-dismissal, Konstas shared, “I didn’t quite realise as I was doing my gloves, but it happens in cricket.” The tension was diffused by Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough. The match referee is set to review the incident, with potential demerit points or monetary fines depending on the severity of the altercation.

Australian debutant Sam Konstas stunned Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, smashing 34 runs off his bowling in a single spell, including a remarkable six. This marked the first six conceded by Bumrah after 4,484 deliveries in Test cricket. Konstas, showcasing fearless batting, reached a 52-ball half-century, unnerving the Indian bowling attack. His aggressive approach, featuring T20-style shots, made him the top scorer in the session. Bumrah, known for his discipline, faced rare punishment as Konstas etched his name in record books by scoring the most runs off him in a single spell.