Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has stated that Virat Kohli should have been banned for his altercation with Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, arguing that the former Indian captain crossed a line in the heated exchange.

Harmison also issued a warning to Konstas about provoking opposition players, emphasising that the Australian teenager will face significant challenges against England in the upcoming Ashes series.

of his match fee for making physical contact with Konstas during the Melbourne Test. The Indian star appeared to deliberately shoulder the 19-year-old opener while the two teams were changing ends at the end of an over. The incident escalated briefly as Kohli and Konstas exchanged intense stares before the on-field umpires stepped in to defuse the situation.

While several former Australian cricketers and sections of the Australian media criticised Kohli for his actions against the debutant,

"What happened with Kohli there - Kohli was bang out of order. Virat Kohli should have been banned for what he did. You know how much I love Virat Kohli and what he has done for the game, but there's a line, and you do not cross it," Harmison told the talkSPORT Cricket podcast.

However, the former England paceman defended the Indian team's exuberant celebration of Usman Khawaja's wicket during the Sydney Test. Harmison noted that tensions had flared after an earlier verbal exchange between Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas.

'STOP TRYING TO BE DAVID WARNER'

Harmison also advised Konstas to focus on refining his defensive technique rather than attempting to emulate David Warner, adding that he would be content to see the teenager opening against England in the Ashes. While praising Konstas's potential, Harmison emphasised the importance of prioritising technical improvement.

"Sam has got the scoops, he's got the big shots. But does he have the defensive technique for Test match cricket against the world's best? That's something he needs to figure out. If he gets it right, he has a great chance because he can be aggressive and has a good mindset for attacking the ball. But I just think he wants to be David Warner, and technically, he's nowhere near as good as Warner," Harmison explained.

"If he's opening the batting against England, I'd be happy. I really would. But he's only 19, and he's going to improve. However, if he continues to be aggressive verbally, he'll face consequences. India is one thing, but the Ashes - with all the pressure it brings - is another level entirely. I've no issue with him having a go at India; he tried to rile them up because they were wasting time, and India got Khawaja out and won. But the Ashes will be a different challenge," he added.

Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, sealing the series 3-1. After entering the fourth Test in Melbourne with the series tied at 1-1, Australia won the final two matches to clinch the series and secure their place in the World Test Championship final.

Konstas has been named in Australia's 18-man squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on January 29.