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.
Throughout the Sydney Take a look at 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. Based on McDonald, the celebratory antics have been a calculated try and intimidate the younger batter.
Nevertheless, 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 have been intimidating Konstas and there’s a psychological well being subject there, I feel that’s taking it a bit bit too far,” Hogg said. “If you wish to give it out, you’ve bought to take it again as nicely.”
Hogg additional emphasised that gamers should be taught to deal with on-field confrontations and the reactions they provoke.
“The coach shouldn’t be speaking concerning the Indian intimidation. The coach needs to be speaking to his participant about how he’s going to deal with the retaliation from the opposition workforce reasonably 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 troublesome recreation and requires mentally robust gamers.
“Solely powerful gamers can play the sport. You can’t be too gentle on the market,” Gambhir mentioned.
The incident has sparked discussions concerning 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 beneath strain,” Johnson wrote in his column for The Nightly. “The main focus was on not simply testing the technical abilities of their opponents but additionally difficult their psychological toughness.”
Konstas’ Altercation with Bumrah
The conflict between Konstas and Bumrah grew to become a focus of the Sydney Take a look at. 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 shocking supply and celebrated animatedly, including gasoline to the fireplace.
Johnson believed that Konstas’ actions, whereas well-intentioned, have been ill-timed.
“I recognize what Konstas was attempting to do by supporting his teammate, however it was merely the unsuitable time for that type of engagement,” Johnson famous. “At that late stage of the day, there might 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 steerage.
“Introducing new gamers to the workforce comes with duties. They want the steerage of skilled teammates to know the right way to deal with numerous eventualities throughout the recreation’s dynamics,” Johnson added.
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