Andrew McDonald’s remarks on the Indian workforce intimidating younger Australian batter Sam Konstas have stirred controversy, with former spinner Brad Hogg criticizing the assertion as an overreaction.
In the course of the Sydney Check of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, tensions flared when Sam Konstas had a verbal altercation with Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah. The alternate intensified when Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja with an excellent supply and celebrated emphatically in entrance of Konstas.
McDonald Claims Intimidation, Hogg Disagrees
Australian coach Andrew McDonald claimed that the Indian workforce’s behaviour aimed to unsettle the 19-year-old Konstas. In keeping with McDonald, the celebratory antics had been a calculated try to intimidate the younger batter.
Nonetheless, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg wasn’t satisfied. On his YouTube channel, Hogg labeled McDonald’s feedback as exaggerated.
“The coach popping out and saying that the Indian gamers had been intimidating Konstas and there’s a psychological well being concern there, I feel that’s taking it a bit of bit too far,” Hogg acknowledged. “If you wish to give it out, you’ve bought to take it again as nicely.”
Hogg additional emphasised that gamers should study to deal with on-field confrontations and the reactions they provoke.
“The coach shouldn’t be speaking in regards to the Indian intimidation. The coach must be speaking to his participant about how he’s going to deal with the retaliation from the opposition workforce somewhat than defending him,” Hogg added.
Gautam Gambhir Weighs In
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir additionally shared his ideas on the incident, suggesting that cricket is a tricky sport and requires mentally sturdy gamers.
“Solely robust gamers can play the sport. You can’t be too tender on the market,” Gambhir mentioned.
The incident has sparked discussions in regards to the psychological facet of cricket, with many stating that psychological resilience is essential for fulfillment on the highest stage.
Johnson’s Evaluation of India’s Thoughts Video games
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson additionally weighed in on the matter, discussing India’s psychological ways throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Johnson noticed that the Indian workforce appeared to make use of a “two versus 11” technique to isolate Australian batters.
“The Indian aspect appeared to embrace the mindset that it was ‘two in opposition to 11’ out within the center, aiming to make the Aussie batters really feel remoted and below stress,” Johnson wrote in his column for The Nightly. “The main target was on not simply testing the technical expertise of their opponents but additionally difficult their psychological toughness.”
Konstas’ Altercation with Bumrah
The conflict between Konstas and Bumrah turned a focus of the Sydney Check. Because the day’s play drew to an in depth, Konstas engaged in a heated alternate with Bumrah. Moments later, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja with a surprising supply and celebrated animatedly, including gasoline to the hearth.
Johnson believed that Konstas’ actions, whereas well-intentioned, had been ill-timed.
“I respect what Konstas was making an attempt to do by supporting his teammate, however it was merely the incorrect time for that sort of engagement,” Johnson famous. “At that late stage of the day, there may solely be one winner.”
Steering for Younger Gamers
Johnson highlighted the significance of senior gamers mentoring youthful teammates in dealing with on-field confrontations. He speculated whether or not Khawaja or different senior gamers spoke to Konstas after the day’s play to supply steering.
“Introducing new gamers to the workforce comes with tasks. They want the steering of skilled teammates to know methods to deal with numerous eventualities inside the sport’s dynamics,” Johnson added.
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