"Some people take offence to that" - Pat Cummins drops huge comment on Sam Konstas after BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins has opened up on Sam Konstas' animated personality which sparked some flashpoints in the five-Test series against India. The 31-year-old believes some people seem to take offense from the confidence that the right-handed batter possesses.

Konstas, who debuted in the Boxing Day Test, clashed with Virat Kohli when the latter shoulder barged him on day one of that fixture. He went on to hype the crowd following Kohli's wicket on day two, drawing criticism. However, the biggest flashpoint came when he indulged in a verbal altercation with Jasprit Bumrah on day one in Sydney when the Indian pacer was speaking to Usman Khawaja and the umpires over time taken to face a delivery.

Speaking at a presser after the Sydney Test, Cummins said all they encourage their players is to be their best version on the field and lauded Konstas for standing up for himself when the time came.

"I've been really impressed with the way he's gone about it. I think people mistake a bit of confidence with bullying and abuse. You're allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and playing a few cricket shots. Some people take offence to that and kind of want to put him back in his place. For us, we always say to players bring yourself every day, be yourself and go about how you think represents yourself the best, how you want to play. I think he's been really good this series and stood up for himself when he's needed to."

The 19-year-old impressed in his first Test innings, scoring a quick-fire 60 in Melbourne to set up a massive total for Australia. He crafted a couple of cameos in Sydney but failed to get a big score.

Pat Cummins and co. reclaim Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Pat Cummins takes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, the home side held their nerves on Day 3 in Sydney to chase down a tricky 162-run target on a spicy Sydney surface. Scott Boland led the way for Australia to bowl India out for 157 early on day three as the tourists managed to add only 16 more runs to their overnight total.

Prasidh Krishna's early strikes did trouble Australia after a blazing start but India struggled to keep taking wickets regularly due to Jasprit Bumrah's absence.