Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has stated that Virat Kohli should have been banned for his altercation with Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Harmison argued that the former Indian captain crossed a line in the heated exchange. He also warned Konstas about provoking opposition players, emphasizing that the Australian teenager would face significant challenges in the upcoming Ashes series against England.
Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee after making physical contact with Konstas during the Melbourne Test, where he appeared to deliberately shoulder the 19-year-old opener while the teams were changing ends. The incident escalated briefly, with Kohli and Konstas exchanging intense stares before the umpires intervened to defuse the situation.
While several former Australian cricketers and parts of the Australian media criticized Kohli’s actions, Konstas himself downplayed the episode.
“Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast, “What happened with Kohli there – Kohli was bang out of order. 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.”
However, Harmison defended the Indian team’s exuberant celebration of Usman Khawaja’s wicket during the Sydney Test. He noted that tensions had already flared due to a verbal exchange earlier between Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas.
Harmison also advised Konstas to focus on improving his defensive technique rather than trying to emulate David Warner’s aggressive style. While praising Konstas’s potential, Harmison stressed the importance of refining his technical skills for Test match cricket.
“Sam has got the scoops, he’s got the big shots. But does he have the defensive technique for 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. But I just think he wants to be David Warner, and technically, he’s nowhere near as good as Warner,” Harmison explained.
“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,” Harmison added.
Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, sealing the series 3-1. After entering the fourth Test in Melbourne with the series tied at 1-1, Australia won the final two matches to clinch the series and secure their place in the World Test Championship final.
Konstas has been named in Australia’s 18-man squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on January 29.