Sam Konstas’s ‘rude’ act at the SCG drives cricket fans wild – but all is not as it seems
- Teenager and Virat Kohli clashed at the MCG and in Sydney
- Konstas raised eyebrows with display on the first day of play
Teenage cricket sensation Sam Konstas received a huge backlash from the SCG crowd when he appeared to make a very rude gesture in response to taunting Indian spectators – but there appears to be an innocent explanation for his actions.
The 19-year-old has come under heavy criticism from supporters and stars of the visiting side after colliding with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah during the final two Tests of the series in Melbourne and Sydney.
Konstas had a fiery clash with Bumrah at the SCG after beating the world’s best bowler in a stunning debut innings during the Boxing Day Test, where he also took a shoulder barge from Kohli.
He was also mocked by Indian fans when he lunged at pacer Mohammed Siraj on day two of the match in Sydney.
Now footage has emerged of Konstas responding to boos from Indian supporters on Saturday by waving his hand in a gesture some fans made while mimicking masturbation.
A cricket fan posted footage of the incident on social media with the caption: ‘Konstas fielding in front [sic] from the Indian Fan Zone at the SCG and the crowd says “Sam is a Wa*kster”, although the audio doesn’t contain that line from the fans, just cheering.
Pictured: Konstas is captured appearing to make a rude gesture with his hand after being booed by Indian fans during the SCG Test
The young Australian had the last laugh as his heroics with the bat – and his ability to get under the opponent’s skin – helped Australia to a 3-1 series win
However, closer examination of that moment reveals that Konstas is holding a small white packet in his hand, believed to be a disposable hand-warming device.
The packs can be activated by crushing them or shaking them repeatedly.
Konstas appeared to make the same gesture at the SCG on Friday as a section of the crowd chanted ‘Kohli, Kohli’.
In 2019, then Australian one-day captain Aaron Finch was forced to clarify that his teammate Adam Zampa was using a hard warmer when footage emerged of him fidgeting with his hands in his pockets before conceding a loss to India.
They are often used by cricketers, but usually in England where summer temperatures do not reach the kind of highs that players experience in Australia.
In a dramatic finale to play on Friday, Bumrah and Konstas clashed for the first time when Usman Khawaja pulled away from a ball, with India’s captain accusing him of delaying to ensure this was the last match of the day would be.
Indian star Jasprit Bumrah is pictured sharing some heated words with Konstas after the Aussie lost his wicket at the SCG
Konstas intervened by talking back to Bumrah, prompting both referees to intervene and send their pair back to their positions.
With tensions high, Khawaja was caught at second slip on the last ball of the day and India’s talisman and several teammates ran straight at Konstas to celebrate in his face.
The incident became the focal point of a chaotic opening day after India were bowled out for 185 and Australia went down at 1-9.
When the 19-year-old was at Siraj on day two of the Test, Kohli could be seen shouting happily as he walked past Konstas – and Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen behind the stumps waving both hands 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.