Australian skipper Pat Cummins has defended teen sensation Sam Konstas after the opener came in for criticism during the Sydney Test.
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Konstas, 19, was involved in a heated confrontation with Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah at the close of day one at the SCG as the Australians attempted to delay play and prevent an additional over being bowled.
When fellow opener Usman Khawaja fell to Bumrah on the final ball the Indian team swarmed Konstas.
It prompted fears from former players like Mark Waugh that the 19 year-old could “paint a target” on his back moving forward.
Konstas’ approach to batting was also called into question. He dazzled on debut in the Boxing Day Test but threw his wicket away as Australia chased 162 to regain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
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Konstas’ behaviour drew a rebuke from Indian coach Gautam Gambhir when asked whether the tourists had attempted to intimidate him.
“It’s a tough sport played by tough men,” Gambhir said.
“You can’t be that soft, as simple as it can get. I don’t think there was anything intimidating about it.“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.”
Cummins, however, said he was ”really impressed” with how Konstas had approached his introduction to Test cricket.
“I think people mistake a bit of confidence with bullying or abuse,” Cummins said in his post-match press conference.
“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 really take offense to that and want to kind of put him back in his place.
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“For us … and we say the same to all of our players, (it) is just bring yourself every day and be yourself. Go about how you think represents yourself the best and how you want to play.
“I think he’s been really good this series. He stood up for himself as needed to.”
Khawaja, meanwhile, shed light on what it is like sharing a dressing room with the young star.
‘I have got to be honest, I’ve never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time! I haven’t.’ Khawaja told 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.’