India vs Australia, 4th Test: Sunil Gavaskar Blames Umpires for Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne Incident at Melbourne

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The first day of the India vs Australia 4th Test in Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, December 26, saw intense cricket marred by a particularly controversial incident involving the Aussie batters and Rohit Sharma.

Former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan, who were a part of the official commentators’ team, criticised the on-field umpires for failing to act against Australian batters Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne, who were running on the pitch while taking singles.

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, warned Labuschagne during the match, sparking a discussion in the commentary box. Pathan remarked, “Rohit Sharma is telling Marnus Labuschagne, when you are running on the pitch, you are doing it in the middle of the strip.” “Even Sam Konstas. He was running straight on the pitch,” Gavaskasr pitched in. “Nobody told him anything.”

Both commentators expressed frustration, with Gavaskar saying, “The umpires are just watching. The discussion that is going on between Rohit and Marnus Labuschagne, the umpires are just watching.”

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas Shoulder Bump Incident

The day also featured a heated moment between Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas. The two collided after the 10th over of the Australian innings when crossing paths on the pitch. The accidental bump led to a verbal exchange, with Usman Khawaja stepping in to defuse the tension.

Kohli was subsequently charged with a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact. The former India captain accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, which resulted in a fine of 20 percent of his match fee and a demerit point.

“No formal hearing was needed as Kohli accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft,” the ICC said in a statement. The on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Michael Gough, along with third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Shawn Craig, levelled the charge.

Level 1 offences typically involve minor breaches, while Level 2 offences could lead to suspension. Kohli’s penalty avoided further repercussions, keeping him available for the remainder of the series.

Australia Dominate but India Fight Back at Melbourne

On the cricketing front, the Boxing Day Test began with Australia’s batters taking charge. Debutant Sam Konstas, undeterred by the occasion, smashed a fluent 60, showcasing audacious shots like reverse ramps and powerful sixes. Usman Khawaja (57) and Marnus Labuschagne (72) built on the strong foundation with measured half-centuries.

Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68* at stumps, holding Australia’s innings together after India’s bowlers struck back. Jasprit Bumrah (3/75) was the standout performer, dismantling the middle order with precision. His dismissals of Travis Head (0) and Mitchell Marsh (4) in quick succession brought India back into the game.

Despite Australia’s strong start, India restricted the hosts to 311/6 at the close of play. The pitch offered assistance to the batters, but Bumrah’s masterful display of pace and swing ensured the match remained competitive.

Heading into day two, Australia will look to capitalise on Smith’s presence at the crease and push for a commanding total, while India will aim to exploit the remaining batting line-up to keep the target manageable. The stage is set for another enthralling day of Test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.