Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald slams Team India for intimidating Sam Konstas

Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald has claimed that India attempted to intimidate teenager Sam Konstas during the tense fifth and deciding Test at the SCG. McDonald expressed his concerns over the on-field spat between Konstas and India’s captain, Jasprit Bumrah, following the dismissal of Usman Khawaja on the final ball of Day 1.

According to McDonald, the manner in which several Indian players swarmed Konstas in celebration after the wicket was “quite intimidating.”

“My conversation to him was just around whether he was okay,” McDonald said when discussing his check-in with Konstas after the altercation.

“Clearly the way that India celebrated that it was quite intimidating. It’s clearly within the rules and regulations of the game, as there have been no charges laid.”

McDonald also emphasized that while India’s actions were well within the bounds of the game, they still raised concerns about the mental well-being of the young player.

The incident occurred after the Indian team celebrated a crucial wicket in close proximity to the Australian debutant. McDonald’s worries stemmed from the fact that the celebration seemed directed at Konstas.