"My fault" - Australian batter breaks silence on heated exchange with Indian star in BGT 2024-25

Australia’s new swashbuckling opener Sam Konstas has opened on his heated exchange with stand-in India captain Jasprit Bumrah in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. The 19-year-old accepted that it was his fault that he tried to stop Bumrah from bowling as he felt his batting partner Usman Khawaja needed time before facing the next delivery during the final over on Day 1.

Notably, Konstas’ gesture left Bumrah fuming. The pacer seared in during his remaining two deliveries before removing Khawaja off the last ball and celebrating with teammates in Konstas’ face.

The Aussie youngster earlier reignited a controversy involving Virat Kohli as he mocked the star batter with a “shoulder” dance move on several occasions, getting the crowd behind him, in Melbourne. That came after Kohli's shoulder bump incident against him in the fourth Test.

Speaking to Triple M Cricket, Konstas said:

“Oh, I didn't get too fazed. Unfortunately, Uzi got out. He was trying to buy some time a little bit. It was probably my fault, but it happens. It's cricket.”

Konstas further lauded Bumrah for taking Khawaja’s wicket amid the on-field tension, adding:

“Credit to Bumrah. He got the wicket, but obviously, great performance from the team.”

Konstas went on to express his excitement about winning the last two Tests with Australia, who won the series 3-1 against India in 2024/25 BGT, their first against the Men in Blue in the last 10 years. He also opened up about his debut game - the Boxing Day Test match, saying:

“No, I was very calm. I was talking to my parents and all my teammates. But obviously, it was a packed stadium and Uzi (Khawaja) said my adrenaline was pumped when I was batting, but I didn't feel that. Still, it was a good debut, and I'm glad to get two wins.”

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“I’m not too sure if I’m selected yet” – Australian youngster keen to play two-match Test series in Sri Lanka

Sam Konstas hopes to retain his place in the Australia squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. He said during the same interaction:

“Yeah, I'm not too sure if I'm selected yet. I think we'll find out in the next few days, but obviously adapting to different conditions—maybe we'll find a new Sam. I think so, but time will tell.”

Australia will play two Tests in Sri Lanka from January 29 onwards. The two matches will be played in Galle.