Australia triumphed in an all-time great Test match but the actions of a select few from the Indian camp undermined what should be celebrated as a milestone for Test cricket. Whilst the scorecard headlines Australia won the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 184 runs the biggest stories to come out of the game was external to the match itself. Right from Boxing Day itself, Virat Kohli, a former captain of his side put himself into a collision with debutant and 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
The ensuing contact was enough to spark words before the umpires and fellow Australian opener Usman Khawaja attempted to cool the tension. Konstas has shown a knack for winding up the crowd and attempting to rile up the Indian side but a well-respected veteran should be setting an example for his side. The ICC handing out a fine of 20 per cent of his match fee was far from apt.
I’m not speculating that a suspension was necessary however a steeper punishment needs to ensure no contact is made on the field of play. More Cricket Mohammed Siraj talking back to Konstas and attempting to intimidate the youngster was also a poor look for someone already loathed by the Australian crowd. Flipping the bails again in the 43rd over of the game shows arrogance from the Indian paceman which again adds on from his earlier altercation with Travis Head in the series.
These two instances from experienced players show either a lack of respect or immaturity from such a talented squad. Another aspect I w.