Credits: BCCI/X
Australian batter Sam Konstas accepted that he provoked Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah, which led to a heated altercation and dismissal of fellow opener Usman Khawaja. Notably, Konstas and Bumrah engaged in an on-field exchange during the fifth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On the opening day of the final Test, when Konstas and Usman Khawaja were in the middle, the former tried to delay the Indian bowler, who also shouldered the responsibility of captaincy in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
One thing led to the other and two players approached each other before the on-field umpire stepped in and diffused the situation. However, on the very next ball, Bumrah dismissed Usman Khwaja with a full-length delivery which included an outside edge with KL Rahul taking a clean catch in the slips. A few days after the Test, Konstas addressed the exchange with Bumrah and downplayed the entire situation.
It was my fault, but it happens: Sam Konstas on on-fled altercation with Jasprit Bumrah
The nineteen year old batter spoke about the situation and accepted that it was his fault, which led to Khawaja paying the fees. He told Triple M Cricket, “Oh, I didn’t get too fazed. Unfortunately, Uzi got out. He was trying to buy some time a little bit. It was probably my fault, but it happens. It’s cricket.” The youngster heaped praise on the Indian speedster and praised his bowling performance despite the on-field tension. He said, “Credit to Bumrah. He got the wicket, but obviously, great performance from the team.”
He reflected on his own approach to the game and said, “Don’t know. Whatever’s on the field, I just try to do my best and, yeah, I guess I got a few nerves on the other team.” Talking about his Test debut, he said, “I was very calm. I was talking to my parents and all my teammates.” Konstas added, “It was a packed stadium, and Uzi (Usman Khawaja) said my adrenaline was pumped when I was batting, but I didn’t feel that. Still,. It was a good debut, and I am glad to get two wins.”
