Andrew McDonald’s remarks on the Indian staff 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 Take a look at of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, tensions flared when Sam Konstas had a verbal altercation with Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah. The change 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 staff’s behaviour aimed to unsettle the 19-year-old Konstas. Based on McDonald, the celebratory antics have been a calculated try to 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 situation there, I believe that’s taking it somewhat bit too far,” Hogg said. “If you wish to give it out, you’ve acquired to take it again as properly.”
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 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 staff relatively 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 robust gamers.
“Solely powerful gamers can play the sport. You can’t be too comfortable on the market,” Gambhir mentioned.
The incident has sparked discussions in regards to the psychological side of cricket, with many mentioning that psychological resilience is essential for fulfillment on the highest degree.
Johnson’s Evaluation of India’s Thoughts Video games
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson additionally weighed in on the matter, discussing India’s psychological techniques throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Johnson noticed that the Indian staff appeared to make use of a “two versus 11” technique to isolate Australian batters.
“The Indian facet 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 underneath stress,” Johnson wrote in his column for The Nightly. “The main target was on not simply testing the technical abilities of their opponents but in addition difficult their psychological toughness.”
Konstas’ Altercation with Bumrah
The conflict between Konstas and Bumrah turned a focus of the Sydney Take a look at. Because the day’s play drew to a detailed, Konstas engaged in a heated change 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, have been ill-timed.
“I respect what Konstas was making an attempt to do by supporting his teammate, but it surely was merely the unsuitable time for that form 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 staff comes with obligations. They want the steerage of skilled teammates to know learn how to deal with varied eventualities throughout the sport’s dynamics,” Johnson added.
Keep up to date with all of the cricketing motion, comply with Cricadium on WhatsApp, Fb, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram