Day 1 of the concluding Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 Test match was filled with excitement and significant drama. With the beleaguered captain Rohit Sharma resting, Jasprit Bumrah took the helm for the visitors in this crucial encounter. With national pride on the line, India finds itself trailing 1-2 in the series, facing the possibility of defeat. However, a victory in Sydney would result in a 2-2 series draw, providing a commendable conclusion to their campaign in India.

The final over of Day 1 featured Australian opener Sam Konstas embroiled in controversy once again, as he engaged in a heated exchange with Jasprit Bumrah. Usman Khawaja was at the crease and delayed Bumrah's run-up, employing tactics to ensure it would be the last over of the day. This strategy did not sit well with Bumrah, who displayed his irritation. Meanwhile, Konstas, positioned at the non-striker's end, chose to escalate the situation by provoking Bumrah.

The two players traded remarks, and before tensions could escalate further, the umpires stepped in. As Bumrah prepared to deliver the last ball of the day, it was initially thought that he had been unsettled by Konstas. However, he proved otherwise by dismissing Khawaja, who was caught behind. In a moment of celebration, Jasprit Bumrah turned and charged towards Konstas in a jubilant display, followed by a fierce stare. Other players joined Bumrah in celebrating in front of Konstas, who attempted to remain unfazed. Fans also witnessed Virat Kohli sprinting from the slip cordon to join in the celebration, energizing the atmosphere near Konstas.

Fans troll Sam Konstas

In response to the incident, cricket enthusiasts flocked to X to mock Konstas, with one user describing the situation as "absolute cinema." The fan remarked, "Sam Konstas to Bumrah - 'What happened, mate, not taking wickets?' Bumrah then approaches him and replies, 'Just wait and watch.' Bumrah dismisses Usman Khawaja on the next delivery and promptly celebrates right in Konstas' face. Truly, absolute cinema."

Certain fans expressed their disapproval of Konstas's conduct and issued a cautionary note. "If Konstas does not moderate his behaviour promptly, he risks becoming the most unpopular player in both locker rooms. There exists a delicate balance between self-assurance and offensive arrogance," he stated.

A fan wrote, “Sam Konstas is the biggest teenage prick cricket has seen in quite a long time.”

A different fan commented, “KL Rahul once stated, ‘If you target one of us, all 11 will retaliate.’ This statement holds true, as all 11 players responded after that wicket. This Konstas Kid initially provoked Kohli and is now targeting Bumrah. It would be wise for someone to inform him that he is confronting his superiors.”

Here are the other reactions-

Konstas made his entrance in the fourth Test, showcasing impressive form in the initial stages as he triumphed in his confrontation with Bumrah. He faced the seasoned bowler and scored a total of 32 runs off two overs, with 14 runs in one over and 18 in another. Following the match, Bumrah remarked that he had several opportunities to dismiss Konstas. Additionally, there was an incident involving a shoulder bump with Kohli, which escalated into a heated exchange of words between the two. Throughout the match, Konstas was observed ridiculing Kohli and the Indian supporters by mimicking the shoulder bump at the behest of Australian fans.

Read Also: Sidhu Questions Rohit Sharma's 'Bizarre' Absence from Sydney Test: Calls for Greater Respect

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