Demerit act by Kohli on Konstas' striking debut

● Indian fined 20% fee for shoulder barge with teenager

- SRIRAM VEERA

IT WAS AN ugly episode that was saved by the grace of a teenager. In the 10th over, Sam Konstas, the Greek-origin Australian opener in the midst of a sensational Test debut, had a heated moment with his favourite batsman in the world, Virat Kohli.

The game's 10th over had just ended and Konstas was moving towards his opening partner Usman Khawaja for an end-over mid-pitch chat. Walking on the edge of the pitch, he was looking at a distance, seemingly towards the digital scoreboard on the giant screen. He then tucked his bat under his elbow and was seen fiddling with his gloves.

From the other end, Kohli, India's regular slip fielder, too was crossing over after picking the ball. He cut well to his right and the two were set to collide unless one of them stepped aside. Just as Konstas was busy with his gloves, the shoulder-barge happened.

After the contact, Kohli initially kept walking, before turning to face the young Aussie. Both exchanged words and Kohli pointed to the cricket ball. Khawaja then entered the scene with a smile; he first put his arm on Konstas's shoulder and then did the same to Kohli.

Umpire Michael Gough got in there as well.