New Delhi: Australia’s rising opener Sam Konstas has consistently demonstrated his willingness to back up his words with action. In the final over before stumps on Day 1 of the 5th Test between Australia and India on Friday, Konstas stirred up Jasprit Bumrah over an issue that had nothing to do with him. Following the incident, Bumrah dismissed Konstas’ partner Usman Khawaja at the striker’s end, triggering an aggressive response from the Indian fast bowler, with Virat Kohli stepping in as well.
The incident unfolded on the second-to-last delivery of the day when Khawaja took a moment to settle at the striker’s end, disrupting Bumrah’s rhythm. However, Konstas, at the non-striker’s end, inserted himself into the situation by speaking to Bumrah, which visibly agitated the Indian pacer.
The drama unfolded on the second-to-last ball of the day when Khawaja took a moment to get set at the striker’s end, disrupting Bumrah’s flow. Meanwhile, Konstas, at the non-striker’s end, added fuel to the fire by saying a few words to Bumrah, provoking the fast bowler. On the next delivery, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja with a catch in the slips, thanks to an exceptional effort from KL Rahul.
After claiming the wicket, Bumrah aggressively approached Konstas in celebration. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, known for his fiery passion, sprinted from the slip field to seemingly confront Konstas as well.
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Earlier, India faced another batting setback, managing only 185 runs, despite stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah adding 22 runs with the bat. Rishabh Pant was the highest scorer for India on Day 1, making 40 runs before falling victim to his aggressive approach once more. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, struggled again, contributing just 17 runs before being dismissed to an outside-off delivery.
India dropped Rohit Sharma for the match due to his recent form, but his replacement, Shubman Gill, was unable to capitalize on his opportunity, making only 20 runs before falling to spinner Nathan Lyon. Bumrah’s lone wicket before stumps on Day 1 provided India with a solid foundation for the second day. The team will be hoping to secure a few early breakthroughs on Day 2.
