High drama as Aussie young gun Sam Konstas MOCKED by Indian players following first innings dismissal at the SCG – then Jasprit Bumrah is sent to hospital for scans on mystery injury
Fireworks were guaranteed as young Aussie Sam Konstas took on the might of Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli – and it was the Indian stars who had the last laugh.
Their smiles later turned to frowns when Bumrah was sent to a nearby hospital for scans of a mysterious injury.
Earlier on Saturday, Konstas was bowled out for 23 on day two of the fifth Test in Sydney after paceman Mohammed Siraj tricked him into a drive.
Together the tourists celebrated wildly, while the teenager was left humbled when he returned to the pavilion.
Kohli was seen shouting happily as he walked past Konstas – and Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen behind the stumps waving both hands happily in the air after seizing the opportunity.
It was the same gesture that Konstas used to get under India’s skin during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne – and Kohli couldn’t wait to taunt Konstas with the same gesture.
Mohammed Siraj celebrates with teammates after dismissing Sam Konstas at the SCG
Together the tourists celebrated wildly, while the teenager was left humbled when he returned to the pavilion
Yashasvi Jaiswal was spotted behind the stumps waving both hands happily in the air after holding Sam Konstas’ chance
In what was an eventful first session, Steve Smith fell just short of his coveted personal milestone of 10,000 career Test runs.
The 35-year-old foundered after 9995 runs after being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna.
More drama was to follow when Indian quick Bumrah was sent for scans to a nearby hospital in Sydney.
The exact nature of his injury is unknown.
“He’s seeing a few doctors, getting scans… we’ll know more soon,” Indian great Ravi Shastri said on Fox Cricket’s telecast.
“We just had the feeling that he wasn’t doing well. “This could have a huge impact on the series.”
Kohli has been leading the team in Bumrah’s absence with India taking a four-run lead from the first innings.
Bumrah took off his white attire with scans to determine the severity of the mysterious injury
Before leaving the field, Bumrah made 2.33 from 10 overs – including the key wicket of Marnus Labuschagne
Meanwhile, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody has stated that 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 on Friday – 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.
Already a cult hero among Australian fans, the fearless teen 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.
‘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.’
Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes Sam Konstas has ‘a lot to learn’ after his combative attitude against India on day one of the fifth Test in Sydney
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 in his own unique way
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 nowadays, they go after it and put themselves in the foreground.’