Aussie cricket great Tom Moody urges batting dynamo Sam Konstas to reign in his aggressive attitude against India – ‘has much to learn’

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody has stated that batting dynamo Sam Konstas has ‘a lot to learn’ after his combative attitude against India late on day one of the fifth Test in Sydney.

Konstas, 19, cut an early boundary against Jasprit Bumrah to set the tone in Australia’s innings – and then infuriated the visitors after starting a war of words with the Indian skipper.

When Usman Khawaja left moments later, an excited Bumrah turned to confront Konstas.

Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna was also quick to get into the teenager’s face, before Virat Kohli – of course – charged towards Konstas.

The fearless teenager will resume on seven days and not day two at the SCG – and while he is already a cult hero among Australian fans, he is quickly becoming public enemy number one among India and their supporters.

Moody, who has won two ODI World Cups in his decorated career, fears Konstas’ cavalier, willow-in-hand approach is fraught with dangers.

Rugby league identity Phil Gould fears for Konstas’ future and urged the teenager to ‘earn your stripes’

This cricket fan pointed out that there is a ‘fine line between self-confidence and crass arrogance’

Another thinks Konstas could “alienate a lot of people” if he continues to be brash

Konstas hasn’t been intimidated by the Indians since he made his debut in the Boxing Day Test (Photo: An excited Jasprit Bumrah)

Referee Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat had to intervene on Friday as tensions reached boiling point (pictured) at the SCG

Already a cult hero among Australian fans, the fearless teen is quickly becoming public enemy number one among India and their supporters

Konstas steps into the shoes of the Indian stars as he continues to play cricket his way

‘Sam Konstas still has a lot to learn. I hope the locker room provides that guidance without stifling his confidence and youthful enthusiasm,” he posted on X.

Rugby league identity Phil Gould agreed, tweeting: ‘I fear for this boy, if he is allowed to continue on this path.’

Cricket fan Derek Alberts pointed out that there is a “thin line between confidence and crass arrogance”, while former ABC sports broadcaster Glenn Mitchell tweeted: “He could easily alienate a lot of people if he doesn’t rein things in a bit.”

Australian debutant Beau Webster said Konstas is a ‘very confident young man’ who has been embraced by the Test squad.

Konstas also looms as the future as no current Australian player in the XI is over the age of 20.

“The first ball when he ran down the wicket and clipped it [Bumrah] There was no more surprise at mid-wicket. It was like, ‘Here we go, he’s gone,'” Webster told reporters.

“Sam is a very confident young man. That’s what they do these days, they go after it and put themselves out there.

“He has all the skills and talent to back this up, so hopefully he can now go on and put us in a decent position.”