Australia opener Sam Konstas has affected Test opponents India by getting “under their skin”, according to team-mate Scott Boland.
The teenager was involved in a fiery conclusion on day one of the fifth Test in Sydney on Friday.
Konstas, 19, exchanged words with bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the final over when India complained Australia were wasting time.
After Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja two balls later, he and various India team-mates moved to celebrate close to Konstas at the non-striker’s end.
“He’s playing with a lot of flair and definitely he’s under their skin, you can see that in the last few moments there,” Boland said on Fox Cricket.
Australia, who lead 2-1 and need to avoid defeat in Sydney to win the series, had to face three overs late in the day, having dismissed India for 185.
With the clock moving towards the close, India complained when Khawaja appeared to delay in an attempt to ensure there was not time for any further overs.
As Bumrah protested, Konstas responded with words to the world number one bowler, and the umpire had to step in to halt the pair’s heated discussion.
“They wanted to waste some time,” India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said.
“I feel that was the reason he had a conversation with Jassy [Bumrah].
“He said something, I didn’t hear it, but I feel that’s the only thing which he wanted to do to waste some time so we don’t bowl one more over.”
After dismissing Khawaja, Bumrah immediately turned to face Konstas although he checked his celebration.
The exchange came after Konstas clashed with India’s players while making his debut during last week’s fourth Test in Melbourne, won by Australia.
(BBC sport)
