A pitch invader unexpectedly disrupted Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) by running onto the field and attempting to hug Indian batting star Virat Kohli. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting the intruder off the ground, and play resumed shortly after.
The intruder initially charged toward Rohit Sharma, who was positioned in the slip cordon, before managing to briefly evade security and target Kohli. As he attempted to embrace the Indian cricketer, he was intercepted by yellow-clad security staff and escorted off the field. Though the incident halted play momentarily, the match continued without further disruption.
The interruption followed a tense atmosphere at the MCG, where Kohli had already been a focal point for the crowd. The 36-year-old had been booed relentlessly by Australian fans after an aggressive shoulder charge on 19-year-old Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the fourth Test. The incident sparked controversy, with Kohli defiantly responding to the jeers, highlighting the fierce intensity of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
On the field, India sought breakthroughs with the second new ball on Day 2 but struggled with inconsistent bowling and subpar fielding. Australia’s Steve Smith and Pat Cummins capitalized on these errors, quickly forming a solid partnership that surpassed 50 runs within the first hour of play.
— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) December 27, 2024
The iconic Boxing Day Test, part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, lived up to its reputation for drama and competitive cricket. A crowd of over 87,000 at the MCG witnessed a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses. As the Test match unfolded, both teams faced opportunities and challenges, with the game continuing to deliver captivating moments both on and off the field.