The opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)  between Australia and India witnessed an intriguing and controversial mid-pitch altercation between Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas.

Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas clash sparks controversy on Day 1 of Boxing Day test

The incident unfolded in the first session of play as Konstas, who was making his international debut, aggressively took on the Indian bowling attack, particularly pacers like Jasprit Bumrah. His confident approach and aud??aci?ous shot-making were causing frustration among the Indian bowlers.

However, things escalated when Kohli, known for his fiery on-field persona, walked deliberately into Konstas�path at the end of the 10th over, resulting in a heated exchange of words between the two players. Konstas, who appeared unfazed by the encounter, responded confidently, further intensifying the situation. Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja had to step in to defuse the tension, while on-field umpire Michael Gough intervened to prevent the situation from spiraling out ?of control.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged heated words after shoulder bump on Day 1 of the?? Melbourne Test

Alyssa Healy’s aggressive response

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to examine the incident, particularly given the involvement of two key players in a high-stakes Test match. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Alyssa Healy, the captain of Australia’s wo?men’s cricket team, expressed disappointment over Kohli’s behavior, suggesting that a player of his stature should have maintained a more professional demeanor.

“It’s a tricky one. Probably more disappointing than anything else that your experienced player, one of your best players, made a beeline for the youngest player in the opposition. It doesn’t really set the greatest tone for your side. But if that’s the approach the Indian team wants to take, so be it. But it didn’t rattle him one bit,” Healy said.

Ricky Ponting points fingers at Kohli’s actions

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was also critical of Kohli, pointing out that the Indian star deliberately instigated the ??confrontation. During live commentary on 7Cricket, Ponting an?alyzed the footage, accusing Kohli of deliberately provoking Konstas.

“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever. It looked to me like Konstas looked up really late, wouldn’t even know anyone was in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer,”

Konstas scores memorable debut fifty

Despite the tense moment, Konstas remained composed and displayed remarkable poise during his debut innings. He went on to score a gritty half-century, hitting six boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja towards the end of the session. His fearless approach against Bumrah stood out, particularly given the pressure and the opposition. Despite the setback of losing Konstas, Usman Khawaja continued to hold firm at the other end, reaching 57, while Marnus Labuschagne built upon his innings to remain unbeaten on 72. With drinks taken, Australia sat comfortably at 237/2, signaling their dominance in the session.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubma?n Gill not playing Boxing Day Test match against Australi??a

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Australia and South Africa are set to meet in a historic encounter in women’s cricket, featuring a one-off Test starting on Thursday (February 15). The iconic WACA Stadium will host this significant match, marking its return to hosting Test matches after a seven-year hiatus.

Alyssa Healy will lead the charge for Australia, while Laura Wolvaardt will captain the South African women’s team. This match promises to be a notable moment in women’s cricket, played at a venue with rich cricketing history.

Test Stats and Records at W.A.C.A. Ground:

• Total Matches: 46
• Matches won batting first: 19
• Matches won bowling first: 18
• Average 1st innings Score: 326
• Average 2nd innings Score: 321
• Average 3rd innings Score: 289
• Average 4th innings Score: 202
• Highest total recorded: 735/6 (146.3 Overs) By Australia vs Zimbabwe
• Lowest total recorded: 62/10 (21.2 Overs) By Pakistan vs Australia
• Highest score chased: 414/4 (119.2 Overs) By South Africa vs Australia
• Lowest score defended: 123/10 (48.1 Overs) By Australia Women vs England Women

Also READ: AUS-W vs SA-?W 2024, Only Test: Broadcast, Live Streaming details �Wh??en and where to watch in India, Australia, South Africa, USA & other countries

W.A.C.A. Ground Pitch Report:

The WACA pitch is renowned for being hard with a covering of grass, providing favourable conditions for fast bowlers. Batters will need to exercise caution and showcase strong technical skills to succeed, given that the ball tends to come onto the bat rapidly. The substantial bounce can pose challenges for timing shots accurately. As the match progresses, the pitch is expected to flatten out, offering batters a chance to score runs more comfortably. Despite this, the seam movement remains a constant threat throughout the game, making it challenging for batsmen to play through the line. It’s noteworthy that this upcoming match will mark the return of Test cricket to the WACA after a seven-year hiatus.

Perth Weather Forecast:

The upcoming match in Perth is expected to have clear and rain-free weather conditions. There is no chance of precipitation, ensuring optimal playing conditions. The temperature is anticipated to vary, reaching highs of around 41 degrees Celsius and dropping to a low of 27 degrees Celsius. ????Players and spectators can expect a relatively warm climate throughout the match.

Australia Women vs South Africa Women, One-Off Test: Probable Playing XI:

Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (c), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Phoe?be Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, ?Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt.

South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de K?lerk, Mieke de Ridder, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sinalo Jafta, ??Nonkululeko Mlaba

Also READ: Cricket Australia anno?unces strong 14-member Women’s squad for the one-off Test ??against South Africa

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In the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the West Indies Women tour of Australia 2023, the Australian Women‘s cricket team put up a clinical performance to secure a convincing 8-wicket win at the Allan Border Field.

Australia Women, wh??o elected to bowl after winning the toss, displayed impeccable bowling and fie?lding to restrict the visitors to a meager total of 83 runs. In response, the hosts chased down the paltry target inside 15 overs.

Alyssa Healy’s fielding brilliance

The contest also witnessed a moment of brilliance in the field from none other than the Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy. During the 24th over of Windies�innings, Ashleigh Gardner bowled widish delivery which Aaliyah Alleyne chipped it towards the fine-leg region and ran for a quick single with Cherry-Ann Fraser at the other end.

The duo had a mix-up and in between Healy, who was keeping behind the stumps, quickly sprinted and collected the ball. In no time, the Aussie star unleashed a powerful throw towards the stumps. The b?all traveled like a bullet, hitting the bulls-eye with unerring accuracy, catching Fraser well s??hort of her crease.

Here is the video:

A bit of magic from Alyssa Healy and that's a diamond duck for Cherry-Ann Fraser 🫣#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/6TkPuugWeW

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 8, 2023

Australia pack West Indies for just 83

Speaking about the game, West Indies Women’s innings got off to a rocky start, with the top-order struggling to make an impact. Zaida James (3), Djenaba Joseph (0), and Rashada Williams (0) ??all departed early, leaving the visitors reeli??ng at 8/3.

Experienced campaigners Stafanie Taylor (12) and Shemaine Campbelle (14) tried to stabilize the innings but found it challenging to score against the discipline??d Australian bowling attack. Alleyne (35) was the lone fighter for West Indies Women, displaying resilience with seven boundaries in her innings.

Also READ: AUS-W vs WI-W – Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown shine in Australia’s series clinching win over West Indies

However, she received minimal support from her teammates, and the West Indies Women were bowled out for just 83 runs in 27.3 overs. Kim Garth (3/8) and Gardner (2/1??7) were the standout bowlers for the home team.

Healy guides Australia to a comfortable win

In pursuit of a modest target, Australia Women chased down the total with ease, losing only two wickets in the process. Healy led the charge with an explosive 38 runs off 36 deliveries, including seven boundaries. She was well-supported by Phoebe Litchfield (16) and Ellyse Perry (20), who played? crucial roles in the suc?cessful run chase.

Des??pite a couple of wickets falling, Australia Women reached their target in just 14.5 overs, finishing at 87/2. The West Indies bowlers tried their best, with Fraser (1/28) being the sole wicket-taker for the visitors.

Also READ: Sydney Thunder appoints n?ew captain ahead of Women’s Big Bash League 2023

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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A captivating anecdote from Australian women’s cricketer Alyssa Healy about Indian men’s cricket team super Virat Kohli has resurfaced on the internet.

In her statement, Healy had shed light on an intriguing encounter with the indomitable Kohli. Healy recounted the incident from her team’s 2005 tour of India, revealing a bold and confident statement made by a young Kohli that left her and fellow teammate Ellyse Perry in awe.

In an engaging conversation, Healy shared the incident that unfolded during her team’s visit to India. Seated beside her husband and Australian men’s cricket speedster, Mitchell Starc,?? Healy?? recalled an encounter with a 17-year-old Kohli.

Also READ: Ellyse Perry: Australian superstar’s salary, house, boyfriend, cars and much more

‘I am the next big thing in Indian cricket’

Accordi??ng to Healy, Kohli approached her and ??Perry without formal introductions and confidently declared himself as the next big thing in Indian cricket.

This audacious claim by Kohli, who was yet to make his international debut at the time, struck a chord with Healy and Perry. The sheer confidence exuded by the young Indian cricketer left an indelible impression on the Australian duo, a testament to Kohli’s self-assured nature even in his early days.

“Ellyse Perry and I were sitting there and this guy wandered over to us, this young Indian guy (Virat Kohli). He did not introduce himself. He said ‘hello, how are you?’ and then he said ‘I am the next big thing in Indian cricket’,” Healy had said.

Kohli, now established as a cricketing icon, has amassed over 25,000 runs in international cricket, bolstering his reputation as one of India’s batting stalwarts. His recent milestone of achieving his 76th international century solidifies his legacy, placing him in the esteemed company of century-makers like Sachin Tendulkar.

Also READ: BCCI announces 17-man India squad f?or the ODI Asia Cup 2023

Kohli will next be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup 2023. He will continue to bat at his favourite number 3 position amid reports of him leaving his spot and moving down the order to make way for the young guns like Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill.

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The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as the Women’s Ashes 2023 one-off Test between England and Australia kicked off at Trent Bridge on Thursday (June 22). Amidst the enthusiasm and anticipation, a heartwarming scene unfolded outside the stadium as Alyssa Healy‘s husband, the renowned Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, patiently stood in the queue, eager to support his wife as she captained Australia i?n this prestigious to??urnament.

It is worth mentioning that Healy is also often seen cheering for Starc during his matches. She even was present at the stadium during Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 triumph earlier this month to cheer for her husband. However, this time it was Starc’s turn to reciprocate the love and support as he selflessly stood outside the stadium in the queue to watch her wife captain the Australian side despite being a star cricketer himself. The left-arm pacer was captured by a fan from the crowd and was seen donning a blue shirt and brown jeans.

The gesture displayed by Starc highlights the beautiful bond shared between the couple. It serves as a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement they provide each other, both on and off the field. Their relationship embodies the essence of a strong partnership where they celebrate each other’s successes and stand by each other during challenging times.

Although Starc’s presence outside the Women’s Ashes Test warmed the hearts of fans, it’s worth noting that he didn’t feature in the first Men’s Ashes Test that Australia won. Starc’s place in the playing eleven of Australia for the second Test at Lord’s cricket ground in London from June 28 is also in doubt due to him not being at his best.

Speaking of the one-off Women’s Ashes Test, Australia won the toss and have decided to bat first in the match.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Happy Birthday Alyssa Healy – Here are some interesting facts about the Australian wicketkeeper-batter:

In 2006, she became the first girl to play among boys in the private schools’ competition in New South Wales.

In 2010, Healy made her international de??bu??t against New Zealand.

Her uncle Ian Healy was one of the greatest wicket-keepers of Australian men’s team.

In 2016, Healy tied the knot with Australian men’s cricketer Mitchell Starc.

She won player of the tournament in the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup.

In December 2018, ICC named Healy?? T20I Player of the Year.

Healy has 58 stumpings to h??er name, which is the ??highest in T20Is.

She owns the Guinness World record for taking a cricket ball’s highest catch ((270.66 ft).

Her unbeaten 148 against Sri Lanka in 2019 is the highest individual score in a T20I inning by a?? wicketkeeper.

In 2019, Healy won the Belinda Clark Award, which recognises Australia’s best women’s international cricketer.

She leads ?the table of most catches as a wicketkeeper in T20Is (51).

Healy is currently in India where she is leading UP Warriorz in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL). Notably, Warriorz will be facing Mumbai Indians (MI) in t?he Eliminator?? on March 24.

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Cricket Australia on Tuesday announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming tour of India. Wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy will lead Australia’s women’s T20I team in the absence of regular skipper Meg Lanning.

All-rounder Tahila McGrath has been named vice-captain after the retirement of Rachael Haynes.

Kim Garth, Phoebe Litchfield and Heather Graham are in line to make the?ir T20I debuts, with Ireland-born Garth and Litchfield receiving their maiden call-up for the India tour.

Aust??ralia will play five T20Is against India in Mumbai in December, with the first two matches at the DY Patil S??tadium and the next three at the Brabourne Stadium.

“These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some experience in Indian conditions,” Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said in a press release.

“India will be a good test, they’re a strong side, and the two teams have had some good battles in recent times.

“Without Meg and Rachael, this series will provide opportunities for players particularly in the top order, so we’re looking forward to seeing who puts their hand up.”

Australia women’s squad for India tour:

Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gar?dner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland.

India vs Australia T20I, Fixtures

• 1st T20I: Friday, December 9, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, 7 pm IST/12:30 am AEDT
• 2nd T20I: Sunday, December 11, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, 7 pm IST/12:30 am AEDT
• 3rd T20I: Wednesday, December 14, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7 pm IST/12:30 am AEDT
• 4th T20I: Saturday, December 17, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7 pm IST/12:30 am AEDT
• 5th T20I: Tuesday, December 20, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7 pm IST/12:30 am AEDT

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On the fourth and final day of the Women’s Ashes Test, a lovely moment took place between Mitchell Starc and Alyssa Healy.

Starc, who was present? at the Australia dressing room, was seen having a chat with his wife Alyssa and then the two shared a donut together.

The official broadcaster 7Cricket has shared a video of the same on their Twitter handle and captioned it as ‘Cute’.

Cute 🥰#Ashes pic.twitter.com/WlAMXUXzoy

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 30, 2022

32-year old Starc is one of Australia’s lead bowlers across formats. The left-arm pacer has taken 529 wickets for the Aussies in all three formats combined. While his wife Alyssa is one of Australia Women’s top batters with 2136 runs in T20Is, 2039 runs in ODIs and 236 runs in 6 Tests.

On the field as well, they share a common stat.
Alyssa Healy hit the most sixes in women's pink ball Tests and Mitchell Starc hit the most sixes in men's pink ball Tests.
(📷: @7Cricket) pic.twitter.com/5UqQL4xksV

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) January 30, 2022

Meanwhile, in the match, England were able to hold their nerves after suffering a batting collapse in the f??inal hour of play. Australia needed three wickets in the last three overs while England were 15 runs short of the target.

Debutant Alana King first inflicted a run-out and then took a brilliant catch to bring Australia close to victory. But England,?? somehow, managed a draw with one wicket remaining. Australia and England will now take on each other in a three-match ODI series that is schedu??led to begin from Th??ursday, February 3 in Canberra.

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Indian cricket superstar Rohit Sharma is arguably one of the most devastating and consistent openers in international cricket. Be it white-ball or Test format, the Mumbaikar dominates the game and carries the ability to destroy any bowling attack in the world. No wonder many cricketers are Rohit’s admirers, and the latest addition in this regard is Australian women cricketer Alyssa Healy.

Healy said she wants to emulate Rohit’s batting style in order to achieve success in her career. She went on to term Rohit as one of the most ‘devastating’ white-ball batters and is impressed with the Indian star’s success in the longest format of the game.

“It’s a tricky one because I’ve only played four Tests, so I wouldn’t say I’m overly comfortable with how to play or how to approach a Test. From my point of view, I don’t think it’s going to change too much from my one-day international batting. I think the ability to give yourself more time is such a blessing,” said Healy as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“I look at the modern Test game and see how it’s changed quite a lot. I watch a lot of the men’s cricket, and I look at someone like Rohit Sharma, who is one of the most devastating white-ball batters in the world, and yet he’s a really successful opener in Test cricket. So, for me, I said look at somebody like him and think about how he translates those skills across all the formats, could I potentially replicate that somehow,” she added.

Healy also shared her thoughts on the upcoming home series against India. The wicketkeeper-batter observed that the India Women’s side is dangerous because of their unpredictable nature.

“Sometimes a bit of the unknown and the unpredictable nature of India makes them incredibly dangerous. They’ve picked a few new players that we haven’t seen before on this tour. So, they always love throwing something new at us, even if it is Poonam Yadav, she always has something new to throw at us, just to kick us off track again,” Healy added further.

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