Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan shared his thoughts on the Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas shoulder tap incident in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Michael Vaughan joked that Virat Kohli was unlucky to be caught, given the number of cameras on the cricket field.
Virat Kohli has struggled for form in Test cricket despite scoring a century in the second innings of the first Test. His performance declined in the next three matches, scoring 167 runs in four Tests at an average of 27.83. He averaged under 16 in the three home Tests against New Zealand.
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas involved in a shoulder clash on the first day of the MCG Test
Kohli was involved in a physical altercation with Konstas during the first innings of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The veteran batsman ran into Konstas, who was working well with his aggressive approach, with his shoulder during the over, seemingly trying to unsettle him.
Namely, the Indian batsman’s move drew criticism, and former Australian players and local media called for a suspension. However, the International Cricket Council fined Kohli 20% of his match fee and awarded him one demerit point. After the incident, Konstas agitated the crowd after Kohli’s dismissal.
I thought Virat Kohli was unlucky – Michael Vaughan
Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Michael Vaughan said that Virat Kohli was unlucky to be caught up in the incident. He mentioned that Kohli could have got away with the act and was unlucky to be caught.
“I thought he was unlucky. I think there were 134 cameras on the ground. I thought he was unlucky to get caught. I thought he could have gotten away with it. Very unlucky to get caught,” Vaughan said.
Australia took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series with a 184-run win in Melbourne. If Australia lose the fifth Test in Sydney, India will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Virat Kohli is aiming to regain his form in the final Test starting on Friday, January 3.
I think you need to work on Australian songs – Michael Vaughan on Adam Gilchrist
In the same conversation, Michael Vaughan was asked if he had ever experienced the MCG crowd chanting: “Vaughnie’s an asshole.” Vaughan stated that to be targeted in such a way is to be a legendary player. He suggested that the singing of Australian audiences needed improvement.
“No, that really pisses me off. No, I think if you realize that, you’re in the echelons of true legendary players,” Vaughan said.
“I mean, Phil Tufnell got it. Tufnell’s an asshole. I mean, there were a few chants in bay 13 this week that were a bit- That’s the only thing I think the Australian crowd- There were a few that were supporting Australia, but mostly I don’t support India. I think you have to work on Aussie songs, they’re not all great Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, and they all need improvement.”
Also read: Pat Cummins steps down as Australia captain after Border-Gavaskar trophy
