4th Test: Pitch invader tries to hug Virat Kohli after MCG crowd boos India star

A pitch invader ran onto the field and tried to hug Indian batting star Virat Kohli in an unexpected disruption on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Security personnel quickly intervened, escorting the intruder off the field and allowing play to resume shortly after. The intruder, who initially sprinted towards Rohit Sharma standing in the slip cordon, managed to evade security momentarily before targeting Kohli.

The invader attempted to hug Kohli but was quickly intercepted by the stadium’s yellow-clad security personnel and escorted off the ground. The interruption caused a brief halt in play, but the game soon resumed without further incident.

The incident followed a charged atmosphere at the MCG, where Kohli became a focal point for the crowd’s reaction. The 36-year-old was booed repeatedly by the home fans after his aggressive shoulder barge on Australia’s 19-year-old Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the fourth Test. The encounter sparked controversy, as Kohli responded defiantly to the jeers, underscoring the intensity of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Meanwhile, on the field, India hoped for breakthroughs with the fresh second new ball on Day 2, but their efforts were undermined by inconsistent bowling and lackluster fielding. Australia’s Steve Smith and Pat Cummins capitalized on these lapses, quickly building a solid partnership that crossed the 50-run mark within the first hour.

The iconic Boxing Day Test, part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, lived up to its reputation for drama and competitive cricket. A packed MCG, hosting over 87,000 fans, witnessed a gripping exchange between two cricketing giants. Both teams ended the second day with opportunities and challenges as the Test match unfolded with intriguing subplots both on and off the field.