India coach Gautam Gambhir has defended his players after Australia coach Andrew Macdonald accused striker Sam Constas of celebrating in an 'intimidating' manner. Young was involved in a clash with Jasprit Bumrah in the final of Day 2 and soon incurred the wrath of the rest of the team.
Immediately after the Indian skipper dismissed Usman Khawaja to end the day, the entire contingent gathered around Constas and celebrated in front of him.
“My conversation with him was about whether he was OK. Obviously, the way India celebrated it was quite intimidating. It's obviously within the laws, rules and regulations of the game. No charges have been laid, but for the opposition to press the non-opponents – a forward like that, we've got to take care of our player to make sure he's good and in the space to go out there and play,” Andrew McDonald said in his post-Day 2 press conference (ESPN via Cricinfo)
However, Gambhir disagreed with McDonald's claims and stated that there was nothing intimidating about the way India celebrated Khawaja's dismissal. He also added that Konstas intervened unnecessarily and paid the price.
“It's a tough sport played by tough men. You can't be that soft. It's as simple as that. I don't think there was anything intimidating about it. When Khawaja was there, he had no right to talk to Jasprit Bumrah. When Usman was batting, his relationship with Bumrah no, it was the umpire's job,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference after the Sydney Test. (via RevSportz)
It is constant already had of India after his infamous altercation with radar Virat Kohli During the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and subsequent theatres.
“I don't think it's illegal, but some people are really offended by it” – Sam Constas on Pat Cummins
The young opener made a big difference after entering the mix midway through the series, replacing Nathan McSweeney.
Like the head coach, Konstas also received support from skipper Pat Cummins after his performances after coming on.
“You're allowed to walk around with your shoulders back and play a few cricket shots. I don't think it's illegal, but some people are really offended by it and want to put it back,” Cummins said. Post-match press conference in Sydney (via 7Cricket)
Constas is likely to retain his place for the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka as Australia continue to blood him in time for the Ashes in late 2025.
Edited by Vaishnavi Iyer