“It’s upto match referee” - Australia head coach opens up on Indian players charging at Sam Konstas during BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Indian players were seen charging at Sam Konstas during the opening day (Friday, January 3) of the fifth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test. While the final over of the day was being bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, the young Australian batter was involved in a heated exchange with him from the non-strikers' end.

However, it charged up Bumrah as he dismissed Usman Khawaja, who was on strike, right after the verbal exchange. Bumrah then ran towards Konstas and the entire Indian team charged at him in celebration.

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald expressed his views on the incident on the second day. He stated that whether the behavior is acceptable or not is upto the match referee to decide.

"Considering there has been no charges on Indian team, clearly it’s acceptable behaviour because there was no fines or punishments. It’s upto match referee, if this is acceptable behaviour or not," he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

McDonald also said that he had a conversation with Sam Konstas, checking in on the youngster. Stating that the Indian celebration was intimidating, he wanted to make sure the young batter was okay.

“My conversation with Sam was about checking in with him. Clearly the Indian celebration was intimidating , with all of them Swarming in. So just wanted to make sure he’s okay," said the Australian head coach.

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India finished Day 2 with a 145-run lead in Sydney

Meanwhile, the second day (Saturday, January 4) was equally action-packed. Returning to bowl, India bundled Australia out for just 181 runs. As they were bowled out for 185 runs first up, the visitors gained a marginal 4-run lead.

In the second innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul got them off to a decent start before both the openers fell soon. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli followed as well, being dismissed in quick time.

However, it was Rishabh Pant's blazing 33-ball 61 that gave the visitors some momentum. As a result, they finished the day on 141/6 eventually, heading into Day 3 with a lead of 145 runs on the board.