Virat Kohli Fined, Sam Konstas And Bosch’s Striking Debuts – December 26 Cricket Highlights

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas [Source: @cricketcomau/x]

Young Australian opener Sam Konstas and South African pace demon Corbin Bosch had debuts to remember on ‘Boxing Day’ Tests at MCG and Centurion respectively. Also in Australia, the Big Bash League 2024-25 season made its return with a double-header, while Indian juggernaut Virat Kohli was slapped with a hefty fine for his physical altercation with an opponent.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest news that emerged out of Thursday, December 26.

Australia In Cruise Control Despite India’s Late Fightback

Australian debutant Sam Konstas had a debut to remember on the ‘Boxing Day’ Test against India at the MCG. Smacking 60 runs from just 65 balls, the 19-year-old shared a swift 89-run opening partnership with fellow half-centurion Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith also registered dazzling 50s, with the latter set to resume the Australian first innings on Day 2 alongside captain Pat Cummins at 311-6 from 86 overs.

For India, Ravindra Jadeja got the first breakthrough in the form of Konstas, before Australia reached 237-2 to assume complete authority over the visitors. However, Jasprit Bumrah responded back strongly with the quick wickets of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, while Akash Deep curtailed Alex Carey’s knock at 31 in the final moments of the day.

Sixers, Scorchers Win One-Sided Affairs On BBL Return

The Big Bash League 2024-25 season made its return after a two-day Christmas hiatus on December 26. In the first match of the evening, Sydney Sixers opener James Vince pounded an unbeaten 101 off 58 balls to devour Melbourne Stars’ total of 194-9 with nearly two overs to spare. Josh Philippe (42 off 23) and unbeaten Jordan Silk (34* off 19) also smeared crucial runs in the chase to render Ben Duckett’s whirlwind 29-ball 68 in vain for the visiting Stars.

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In Perth, the Perth Scorchers secured a comprehensive 33-run win over defending champions Brisbane Heat after hauling 165-6 upfront. Nick Hobson at number six clobbered two boundaries and five sixes in his 16-ball 47* to turbo-charge the Scorchers total in the slog overs after a sluggish start at the top. In response, Jason Behrendorff (2-32), Matthew Kelly (2-33) and Andrew Tye (2-23) skittled out Heat for just 132 in 19.4 overs.

Sean Williams Puts Zimbabwe In Driver’s Seat vs AFG On Day 1

Zimbabwe batted out the entire 85-over opening day at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo against Afghanistan bowlers. Hauling 363-4, the hosts maintained a brisk run-rate of 4.27 an over. Opener and Test debutant Ben Curran celebrated the occasion with a swift 68 at the top, while Takudzwanashe Kaitano grinded out for 115 deliveries to make 46.

Sean Williams at number four notched up his fifth Test century and reached an unbeaten 145* from 161 balls by stumps on Day 1. Captain Craig Ervine also piled on Afghanistan’s misery with 56* unbeaten runs. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan’s replacement AM Ghazanfar picked up two of the four fallen wickets of the day.

Paterson, Bosch Skittle Pakistan On Bowler’s Day Out

South African fast bowlers Dane Paterson (5-61) and debutant Corbin Bosch (4-63) picked up nine Pakistani wickets between them to fold up the hosts for just 211 after 57.3 overs on Day 1 of the series-opening Centurion Test. For Pakistan, number four batter Kamran Ghulam scored a fighting 54 from 71 balls after the top-order failure of Saim Ayub, Shan Masood and Babar Azam.

In response, the Proteas reached 82-3 from 22 overs before stumps to find themselves another 129 runs away from the visitors. Senior opening batter Aiden Markram will resume South Africa’s innings on Day 2 at 47* after losing Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton to Khurran Shahzad’s new ball burst.

Virat Kohli Slapped With Hefty Fine For Konstas Row

Virat Kohli was slapped with a 20 percent fine of his match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his physical altercation with young Australian debutant Sam Konstas early on Day 1 of the MCG Test. The legendary Indian batter had also exchanged a few words with Konstas after the latter got Australia off to a flying start against in-form Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

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