Gautam Gambhir said cricket is “a tough sport played by tough men” and criticised Konstas for chirping at Jasprit Bumrah.
Gambhir’s comments came after Australian coach Andrew McDonald said he had to check on the 19-year-old’s welfare after day one
India have fired one last shot at Sam Konstas, calling Australia “soft” for suggesting Jasprit Bumrah and his teammates had intimidated the teenager during the decisive SCG Test.
But captain Pat Cummins has defended the 19-year-old from those who tried to “put [Konstas] back in his place” during a memorable first two Tests for Australia.
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After Australia’s six-wicket win that sealed victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India coach Gautam Gambhir insisted Konstas had “no right” to chirp at Bumrah and spark a confrontation that increased tensions to boiling point on day one.
The opening batter had seemingly attempted to waste time late in the day to guard against the chance of a wicket falling if another over was bowled under lights.
But the tactic backfired and Konstas found himself stormed by Indian players at the non-strikers end when Bumrah took Usman Khawaja’s wicket on the last ball of the day.
