Kohli under the microscope after clash with kid Konstas

MELBOURNE :Virat Kohli's conduct came under the microscope in the Boxing Day test in Melbourne on Thursday after a clash of shoulders with teen debutant Sam Konstas but the incident did little to knock the Australian wonder boy off his stride.

With Konstas well on top of India's bowlers on day one, Kohli was booed by the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after bumping into the 19-year-old as he walked down the pitch for a chat with opening partner Usman Khawaja at the end of the 10th over.

Kohli and Konstas turned to face each other and exchanged words, prompting umpire Michael Gough and Khawaja to step in to defuse the moment.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who was covering the game for host broadcaster Seven Network, said veteran batsman Kohli was clearly the offender.

"That man (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," Ponting said.

"When you’re out there batting, the batsman owns the wicket. The crease is his. Especially between overs like that."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also put the blame on 36-year-old Kohli.

"Virat Kohli is such an experienced pro, being wound up by a 19 (year old)," the Fox Cricket pundit said.

"It's Virat that walks into Sam."

Konstas, who replaced the dropped Nathan McSweeney in the side, appeared unruffled by the clash, smashing Jasprit Bumrah for four on the next delivery and hitting a six over the Indian pace spearhead's head on the way to 18 runs from the over.

Konstas downplayed the incident after Australia went to stumps at 311 for six.

"I think he accidentally bumped me, but I think that's just cricket, just the tension," he told reporters.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) bans "inappropriate physical contact" and those found guilty can be suspended for matches