‘Not met anyone so arrogant yet endearing at same time’ – Usman Khawaja describes Sam Konstas | Cricket News
Usman Khawaja who led the confident Australian response to India’s target of 162 alongside youngster Sam Konstas, is amused the youngster’s arrogance.
Talking to Darren Lehmann after Australia wrapped up the series 3-1, Khawaja said the dressing room had taken to the 19-year-old, even though his on-field antics draw mixed responses. “I’m going to be honest. I’ve never met anyone so arrogant yet so endearing at the same time. I haven’t,” Khawaja, 38, twice Konstas’ age, told Lehmann interviewing him for ABC. “But the way he is amongst the group… take away what he’s on the field… amongst the group, he’s a very lovable character. He’s got this sense of being arrogant. But saying it with a smile on his face. You just can’t take it seriously. So. You’ve got to get to know him Boof,” he added.
Khawaja has had a tough time this series with man of the series Jasprit Bumrah having his number, as he went at 184 averaging 20.44 with a highest score of 57, getting dismissed 6 times bthe Indian pace ace. This included his dismissal off the last ball of the session, after Konstas got into a scrap with Bumrah, looking to send up for Khawaja, but needed settling down and saw the veteran opener nick a delivery one ball later. Konstas’ runs haven’t been many but he’s lauded for taking on Bumrah – including 3 ramp shots in his debut innings at MCG.
Coach Andrew McDonald had come to his defense a day earlier claiming Indians intimidated him with Kohli’s shoulder-charge and Indian celebrations, and Cummins attempted to explain the combative personality that’s surprised many Australians who think he should ‘earn his stripes.’ Cummins was unfussed.
What’s Konstas like to bat with? 🤔
Darren Lehmann put the question to Usman Khawaja on ABC Sport. #AUSvIND
Hear Grandstand at Stumps: https://t.co/VzbxS2C6Yq pic.twitter.com/1p042o9uZF
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) January 5, 2025
“I’ve been really impressed with how Sam goes about it. I think people make a bit of confidence with bullying or abuse. It’s…you’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few cricket shots. I don’t think that’s illegal. But some people really take offense to that and want to put him kinda back in his place,” Cummins said in the press conference.
He said there were no plans to curb his exuberance. “For us, it’s just for all players, bring yourself in every day. Be yourself. Go about how you think represents yourself best and how you want to play. I think he’s been very good this series. Stood up for himself when he’s needed to,” Cummins said.
On the final morning with Bumrah absent, Konstas once more put in a tiny cameo, with successive boundaries off his pad, as Australia were 35/0 in 3 overs. The 8 wides and 4 es were a torrid start for India. But the Konstas’ laxmi-bomb crackle, came to an ugly end as he played across the line skying a top edge to mid off with Prasidh Krishna bowling, gone for 22 with Australia needing 123. It prompted former England captain Michael Vaughan to say on Fox Cricket, “He’s a better player than playing that stroke.”
Khawaja though was left telling Lehmann that he ought to get to know the teen, who’s lit up the Aussie dressing room, though what the world sees is his constant needle.
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