Virat Kohli should have been banned for shoulder-barging Sam Konstas: Steve Harmison | Cricket News
Former England captain has Steve Harmison suggested that Virat Kohli should have been banned for his shoulder barge on Sam Konstas on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kohli walked away with only 20 per cent fine.
The on-field action heated up at the end of the 10th over. Kohli collided shoulder to shoulder as he walked past 19-year-old Konstas.
Debutant Konstas and 36-year-old Kohli exchanged words after the collision. A visibly angry Kohli started walking back towards Konstas before umpire Michael Gough and Khawaja hurried over to settle things down between the pair.
“What happened with Kohli there – Kohli was bang out of order,” Harmison told the talkSPORT.
Virat Kohli showing empty pockets indicating no sandpaper with him. (Screengrab)
“Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did.
“You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there’s a line, and you do not cross it.”
Former England seamer also had a suggestion for Sam Konstas.
“Sam has got the scoops, he’s got the big shots. But does he have the defensive technique for the Test match cricket against the world’s best?
“That’s something he needs to figure out. If he gets it right, he has a great chance because he can be aggressive and has a good mindset for attacking the ball.
India’s Virat Kohli gestures to a member of a crowd during play on the first day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. (AP)
“But I just think he wants to be David Warner, and technically, he’s nowhere as good as Warner,” he said.
“If he’s opening the batting against England, I’d be happy. I really would. But he’s only 19, and he’s going to improve. However, if he continues to be aggressive verbally, he’ll face consequences.
India is one thing but the Ashes – with all the pressure it brings – is another level entirely. I’ve no issue with him having a go at India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time, and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge,” said Harmison.
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