Pat Cummins has come to the defense of Sam Konstas after the 19-year-old opening batsman became embroiled in a war of words with Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney.
The New South Wales batsman shone during his first Test series, impressing for the first time in the Boxing Day Test by sensationally lifting Jasprit Bumrah twice before scoring 60 runs off 65 deliveries during his first innings.
While Konstas struggled to score runs in the Sydney Test, he caught the attention of many for his personality, confidence and brilliance with the bat.
He then became embroiled in a heated dispute with India captain Bumrah on the first day of the decider, with India's stand-in captain and Konstas exchanging words at the non-striker's end.
came later Bumrah seemed to get angry against opener Usman Khawaja. The pace bowler was unhappy with the time it took the Australian to prepare, and Konstas lashed out at Bumrah for gesturing at Khawaja.
The experienced Australian opener would later fall on the last delivery of the day, and the Indian players subsequently surrounded Konstas on the field.
Pat Cummins has come to the defense of Sam Konstas (pictured) after the Australian star was involved in a controversial moment during the Sydney test.
Cummins (left) praised Konstas for holding his own and showing his brilliance in the middle of the field.
Konstas (right) had shared some heated words with Jasprit Bumrah (left) during the Sydney Test.
The moment sparked a flashpoint in the match, with Australian coach Andrew McDonald calling India's actions “intimidating”, while Gautam Gambhir claimed his team's actions were not intimidating, adding: “You can't be that soft.” in reference to Konstas.
'I had no right to be talking to Jasprit Bumrah when Usman Khawaja was (wasting) time. He had no right or duty to get involved with Jasprit Bumrah. That was the referee's job,” Gambhir said.
But Cummins had a different opinion, instead praising Konstas' maturity and calmness.
“I think as far as Sam goes, I've been very impressed with the way he's approached it,” Cummins said.
'I think people confuse a little trust with harassment or abuse.
'You know, you can walk with your shoulders back and play some cricket shots.
“I don't think it's illegal, but some people get offended and want to put him back in his place because of it.”
'I tell all our players the same thing: try hard every day.
Australia coach Andrew Mcdonald claimed India had tried to 'intimidate' Konstas
The India coach (second from left) denied such claims before stating that Konstas was being “too soft”.
'Be yourself and do it how you think it best represents you and how you want to play it.
“I think he's been really good in this series and held his own.”
Although Konstas will be upset that he failed to achieve a score above 45 during the Sydney Test, he is enjoying an excellent season both at Test level and with New South Wales.
Australian cricket great Rodney Hogg praised him during an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.
Hogg, admitting that he didn't know many players who could achieve the feats Konstas had achieved, announced himself onto the trial level scene at such short notice and with such fanfare.
When asked what he thought of Konstas, he said: “I've heard of late-night sports sensations, but he's the only real 'one-hour' sensation.” Someone that everyone suddenly knew within an hour,” he added.
But Hogg did issue a word of warning to Australian coaches, saying: “You will need guidance because instant fame can do strange things to people.”
Konstas is presented as a down-to-earth boy who is living a dream.
Konstas enjoyed an excellent debut in Melbourne with 60 off 65 deliveries, but struggled for another big score in Sydney.
His dispute with Bumrah is not the first flashpoint he has been involved in during the series as Virat Kohli also attacked Konstas.
He was then seen taunting Kohli by jokingly pretending to bump shoulders with fans at the MCG.
Khawaja spoke about what it's like to bat with Konstas.
'I have to be honest, I've never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time! I haven't done it!' Khawaja told ABC sport.
“But the way he is in the group, apart from how he is on the field, but when he is in the group, he is a very lovable character.”
“He has this feeling of being arrogant, but he says it with a smile on his face and you can't take him seriously.”
“You have to get to know him.”