Sam Konstas has taken the cricketing world by storm, transforming from a promising Australian teenager into one of the most talked-about stars in the last few weeks. At just 19, Konstas made headlines not only for his stellar batting performances but also for his in-your-face altercation with Virat Kohli, who unnecessarily shoulder-barged him. His clash with India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during the Sydney Test and his playful antics with the crowd earned him plaudits from the local Australians.
His debut at the MCG in front of 100,000 fans saw him rack up an impressive 60 off 65 balls, with two sixes and six fours. He reverse scooped and scooped Bumrah like he was an amatuer. Despite a modest showing in the Sydney Test, where he managed a combined 45 runs, Konstas’ fearless batting has made him a fan favourite.
Eye-watering pay rise for Konstas!
Konstas’ whirlwind rise could soon see him earn a massive financial windfall. If selected for Australia’s upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka, the teenager stands to pocket a bonus of INR 1.87 crore (AUD 225,000). Furthermore, should he play a third Test, he’d qualify for a Cricket Australia central contract worth around INR 2.88 crore (AUD 346,641), along with back pay to cover the difference from his current state contract at the New South Wales.
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Gambhir vs McDonald over Sam Konstas
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed Australian coach Andrew McDonald’s claim that Bumrah and his teammates intimidated Konstas. Gambhir stated that cricket is a sport for “tough men,” and Konstas had “no right” to interrupt Bumrah during his discussion with Usman Khawaja. During the final moments of the IND vs AUS first day’s play at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Jasprit Bumrah and young Australian batter Sam Konstas were seen engaging in a heated verbal exchange.
Andrew McDonald mentioned checking on Konstas’s mental state after the incident. He implied that the ICC had set a standard by not punishing India for what he perceived as intimidation. McDonald remarked, “My conversation with him was around whether he’s okay. Clearly, the way India celebrated that was quite intimidating.” He acknowledged that there were no charges or fines, implying the behaviour was within acceptable limits according to the match referees and umpires.
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Unpopular Opinion: Bumrah should be preserved for IND vs ENG Tests, shouldn't play in CT 2025
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"I was trying to waste time": Sam Konstas admits wasting time before altercation with Jasprit Bumrah
