‘My Fault’: Australian Player Sam Konstas breaks silence on controversial moment during Border Gavaskar Trophy
New Delhi: Australia’s dynamic new opener, Sam Konstas, has addressed the heated exchange with stand-in India captain Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. The 19-year-old admitted it was his mistake to attempt to stop Bumrah from bowling, as he believed his batting partner Usman Khawaja needed extra time before facing the next delivery in the final over of Day 1.
Notably, Konstas’ action left Bumrah furious. The pacer bowled two more fiery deliveries before dismissing Khawaja on the final ball, celebrating by confronting Konstas with his teammates.
The Australian youngster had previously stirred controversy by mocking Virat Kohli with a “shoulder” dance move multiple times in Melbourne, gaining crowd support, following Kohli’s shoulder bump incident in the fourth Test.
Speaking to Triple M Cricket, Konstas admitted, “It was probably my fault, but it happens. Uzi was trying to buy some time. I didn’t get too fazed.”
He also praised Bumrah, saying, “Credit to Bumrah for taking the wicket, but it was a great team performance.”
Konstas expressed his excitement over Australia’s 3-1 series win against India in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, their first in a decade. Reflecting on his debut in the Boxing Day Test, he said,
“No, I was very calm. I was talking to my parents and teammates. Uzi (Khawaja) mentioned my adrenaline was pumped when batting, but I didn’t feel it. Still, it was a great debut, and I’m happy with two wins.”
Sam Konstas expressed his uncertainty about being selected for Australia’s upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. He said during the interaction:
“Yeah, I’m not too sure if I’m selected yet. I think we’ll find out in the next few days, but obviously adapting to different conditions—maybe we’ll find a new Sam. I think so, but time will tell.”
Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka will start on January 29 and will be held in Galle.