Virat Kohli was called a ‘clown’ by Australian media after a shoulder-bump incident with rookie Sam Konstas in the fourth Test opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.
A Perth daily newspaper released a digitally manipulated image of Kohli with a crimson nose on Friday under the heading ‘Clown Kohli’.The strapline of the Op-Ed called the right-handed hitter a ‘coward’ or ‘crybaby’.
Indian media sources called the criticism an insult to Kohli, their star cricketer. The incident occurred after the 10th over on Day One when Kohli touched Konstas in front of 90,000. After the two players exchanged words, Australian opener Usman Khawaja intervened to defuse the tension.
The ICC reviewed the incident under Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct (CoC), which forbids inappropriate physical contact in cricket. The ICC punished him 20% of his match money and one penalty point. Former cricketers and Australian media decried the punishment as excessively light. Some wanted a one-match ban for the Indian star.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting called Kohli’s actions intentional.
“Virat started that fight by walking one pitch to his right. Absolutely certain. I’m sure the umpires and referee will examine that. At that point, fielders should stay away from the batter. Every fielder understands where the batsmen will gather. Konstas seemed to look up late and not notice anyone in front of him. Ponting said Kohli may have some queries.
Ravi Shastri, a former Indian coach, was disappointed and called the move unnecessary.
“In cricket, you don’t want to cross the line. The incident was preventable, Shastri added.
