News “I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone about it,” Pat Cummins says of newcomer Sam Konstas, who was involved in a couple of scraps in the last two Tests
The Indians celebrated Usman Khawaja’s wicket forcefully in Konstas’ direction after he had exchanged words with Bumrah, and Australia coach Andrew McDonald called out their behaviour towards the 19-year-old, while adding the ICC had set a benchmark for what is acceptable by not handing down any punishment.
“Look, it’s a tough sport played by tough men. You can’t be that soft,” Gambhir said after India’s defeat at the SCG. “That’s as simple as it can get. I don’t think there was anything intimidating about it.
“He [Konstas] had no right to be talking to Jasprit Bumrah when Usman Khawaja was taking time. He had no right and no business to be involved with Jasprit Bumrah. That was a job for the umpire and for the guy who is batting at the [other] end.”
Konstas, who was also involved in a confrontation with Virat Kohli at the MCG, has been a significant figure in the final two Tests where he has clearly riled India, both with the bat and in the field. He gave Australia a rapid start to their chase in the final innings of the series, before departing trying to carve over the off side as he gave himself room against Prasidh Krishna, and Pat Cummins praised the way he had carried himself early in his Test career.
“First of all, obviously ICC set the rules and set the punishments,” Cummins said. “We saw that in Melbourne with Virat, [getting] 20% [fine], that’s what they thought. So obviously that’s the standard that they’re happy with.
“In regards to Sam, I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone about it. I think people mistake a bit of confidence with bullying or abuse. You’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few c
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