Pat Cummins has risen to the defence of Sam Konstas after the 19-year-old opening batsman was embroiled in a war of words with Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney.
The New South Wales batter shone during his debut Test series, first impressed in the Boxing Day Test to sensationally ramp Jasprit Bumrah twice before going on to score 60 runs off 65 deliveries during his first innings.
While Konstas struggled to score runs in the Sydney Test he has caught the attention of many for his personality, confidence and brilliance with the bat.
He would go on to be embroiled in a heated spat with India captain Bumrah on the first day of the deciding match, with the stand-in India captain and Konstas exchanging words at the non-striker’s end.
It came after Bumrah appeared to fume at opener Usman Khawaja. The pace bowler had been dissatisfied by how long it took the Australian to prepare himself, with Konstas lashing out at Bumrah for gesticulating at Khawaja.
The experienced Aussie opener would subsequently fall on the final delivery of the day, with India’s players subsequently surrounding Konstas on the pitch.
Pat Cummins has risen to the defence of Sam Konstas (pictured) after the Aussie star was embroiled in a controversial moment during the Sydney test
Cummins (left) lauded Konstas for sticking up for himself and showcasing his brilliance in the middle of the wicket
Konstas (right) had shared some heated words with Jasprit Bumrah (left) during the Sydney Test
The moment sparked a flashpoint in the match, with Australian coach Andrew McDonald calling India’s actions, ‘intimidating’ while Gautam Gambhir claimed his side’s actions were not intimidating – adding: ‘You can’t be that soft’ in reference to Konstas.
‘He had no right to be talking to Jasprit Bumrah when Usman Khawaja was (wasting) time. He had no right and no business to be involved with Jasprit Bumrah. That was the job of the umpire,’ Gambhir said.
But Cummins held a different view, instead lauding Konstas’ maturity and cool head.
‘I think in regards to Sam, I’ve been really impressed with the way he’s gone about it,’ Cummins said.
‘I think people mistake a bit of confidence with bullying or abuse.
‘You know, you’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few cricket shots.
‘I don’t think that’s illegal but some people take offence to that and want to put him back in his place for that.
‘I say the same to all our players is just to bring yourself every day.
Australia coach Andrew Mcdonald claimed that India had attempted to ‘intimidate’ Konstas
India coach (second from the left) had denied such claims before claiming that Konstas was being ‘too soft’
‘Be yourself and go about it how you think represents yourself the best and how you want to play it.
‘I think he’s been really good this series and he’s stood up for himself.’
Even though Konstas will be annoyed he couldn’t manage a bigger score than 45 during the Sydney Test, he is enjoying an excellent season both at Test level and with New South Wales.
Aussie cricket great Rodney Hogg praised him during an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.
Hogg admitting he had not konwn many players who could achieve the feats that Konstas has done, announced himself on the Test-level scene at such short notice to such a large fanfare.
When asked what he made of Konstas, he said: ‘I have heard of overnight sporting sensations but he is the only actual ‘one-hour’ sensation. Someone who everyone suddenly knew within an hour,’ he added.
But Hogg did issue a word of warning to the Aussie coaches, stating: ‘He will require guidance because instant fame can do funny things to people.’
Konstas comes across as a down-to-earth kid who is living out a dream.
Konstas enjoyed an excellent debut in Melbourne hitting 60 off 65 deliveries but struggled to get another big score in Sydney
His spat with Bumrah is not the first flashpoint he has been involved in during the series, with Konstas also being shoulder-charged by Virat Kohli.
He was then seen mocking Kohli by jokingly pretending to bump his shoulder to fans at the MCG.
Khawaja opened up on what it’s like to bat with Konstas.
‘I have got to be honest, I’ve never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time! I haven’t!’ Khawaja said to ABC Sport.
‘But the way he is among the group – take away what he’s like on the field – but when he’s among in the group, he’s a very loveable character.
‘He’s got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face and you just can’t take it seriously.
‘You’ve got to get to know him.’
