Pitch invader with ‘Free Ukraine’ T-shirt hugs Virat Kohli; MCG security in question during IND vs AUS 4th Test | Watch

Virat Kohli has been the centre of attention at the MCG during the India vs Australia fourth Test since Day 1, following his confrontation with Sam Konstas.

Koushik Paul
Updated27 Dec 2024, 10:51 AM IST
A pitch invader is seen with India's Virat Kohli on the second day of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne.
A pitch invader is seen with India’s Virat Kohli on the second day of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne.(AFP)

The security at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) came under question after a pitch invader broke into the stadium during play on Day 4 of the fourth Test between India and Australia. 

With a 'Free Ukraine' slogan on his T-shirt, the intruder initially went for India captain Rohit Sharma but then diverted his attention to Virat Kohli.

Dramatically, the invader wrapped his arm around Kohli's shoulders. The former India skipper, too, wrapped his arm around the fan before the security personnel came into play and escorted the intruder off the field. The play was halted for a brief moment.

Kohli has been the talking point in this Test match since the opening day after his physical collision and confrontation with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. Following the incident, the crowd booed Kohli.

Also Read | Australian media dubs Virat Kohli ‘clown’ after Konstas controversy

In fact, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined Kohli 20 per cent of his match fees and gave him one demerit point following the incident.

Meanwhile, the Australian media has dubbed Kohli a 'clown' following the Konstas incident. Specifically, the Australian newspaper The West Australian had a headline reading ‘Clown Kohli’ and a picture of the Indian batter with a clown's nose.

“Indian sook slammed for pathetic bump in teen's dream Test debut,” read the article. The word ‘sook’ is used for a cowardly person in the Tasmanian region.

Also Read | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Steve Smith breaks Kohli-Tendulkar record for most tons

Virat Kohli's record at MCG

MCG has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli. He has played three Tests at the iconic venue before the ongoing game, scoring 316 runs, including 169 in 2014. Not only Tests, Kohli's match-winning knock of 82 not out against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup at MCG will also be highly remembered. 

Before the fourth Test, Kohli scored 126 runs in three matches, including a ton in Perth in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Catch all the Sports News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

Business NewsSportsCricket NewsPitch invader with ‘Free Ukraine’ T-shirt hugs Virat Kohli; MCG security in question during IND vs AUS 4th Test | Watch
MoreLess
First Published:27 Dec 2024, 10:31 AM IST