Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has slammed head coach Andrew McDonald for his comments about India's “intimidating” celebration of rookie debutant Sam Konstas in the Sydney Test. Brad Hogg hit back at Andrew McDonald's comments, saying calling it a bit too far.
The controversy unfolded during the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test following Usman Khawaja's dismissal in Australia's first innings. Jasprit Bumrah and Sam Konstas were involved in a verbal exchange before the dismissal. Bumrah gave Konstas an intense look after getting the wicket on the last ball of Day 1.
The way India celebrated this was quite intimidating – Andrew McDonald
The visibly pumped Indian players celebrated Khawaja's wicket by standing in front of Konstas, who was at the non-striker's end. Andrew McDonald criticized India's celebration after Khawaja's dismissal, saying: “Clearly the way India celebrated was quite intimidating.”
Australia secured a 3-1 series win in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sam Konstas scored 113 runs in four innings at an average of 28.25. Konstas is expected to retain his place in the squad for the next tour in Sri Lanka as Australia aim to prepare him for the home Ashes series in late 2025.
That's taking it a bit too far – Brad Hogg
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg disagreed with Andrew McDonald's comments. Hogg pointed out that Konstas previously engaged in Indian sled drinks. The former cricketer said Konstas should be prepared for similar treatment instead.
“The coach came in and said the Indian players were bullying Konstas and there's a mental health issue there, I think that's taking it a bit too far,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.
“If you want to say a few words to the opposing team, you want to hit balls for four, go down and serve the bowler as he is coming back to the mark, you will have to sit there and do it. and back,” he added.
Sam Konstas had a dramatic debut in the Test series which included a controversial incident with Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test. Following the altercation, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fees and given a demerit point.
Coach should not talk about Indian intimidation – Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg said Andrew McDonald should focus on preparing his players for such incidents rather than publicly defending them. Hogg also said McDonald should not discuss “bullying” India, but should coach Konstas on how to respond to opposition actions.
“Coach should not talk about Indian intimidation. “The coach should talk to his player about how he's going to handle counter-attacks from the opposing team, rather than defending him, because if you're going to give it, I'm going to take it back,” Hogg added in the same video.
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