Usman Khawaja labels Sam Konstas 'arrogant', Pat Cummins steps in to defend youngster

Veteran Australia opener Usman Khawaja opened up about batting with young batter Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India. Usman Khawaja said that Sam Konstas is arrogant but so endearing at the same time, describing him as a unique character in the dressing room.

Konstas attracted significant attention for his on-field behavior in the recently concluded Test series. The 19-year-old had been involved in a heated exchange with Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test. Konstas also engaged in an altercation with Jasprit Bumrah on the opening day of the fifth Test in Sydney.

I've Never Met Anyone So Arrogant - Usman Khawaja

Speaking on ABC Sport, Usman Khawaja described Sam Konstas as someone who is both "arrogant and endearing" at the same time. Khawaja noted that Konstas can appear arrogant on the field but does so with a smile. He emphasized that Konstas is a lovable character in the group.

"I'm gonna be honest, I've never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. I haven't. But the way he is amongst the group, take what he's like on the field, when he's amongst the group, he's a very lovable character. He's actually, he's got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face and you just can't take it seriously, so you've got to get to know him," Khawaja said on ABC Sport.

Usman Khawaja intentionally delayed Bumrah’s run-up in the final over of the day. This visibly frustrated Bumrah and Konstas engaged in a verbal exchange with the bowler, leading to a brief confrontation. The Indian team reacted aggressively to Usman Khawaja’s dismissal in the face of Sam.

People Mistake Confidence with Bullying or Abuse - Pat Cummins

Skipper Pat Cummins said that he has been impressed with Sam Konstas for his performance in his first two Tests. Cummins said that some might misunderstand Konstas' confidence as arrogance or bullying. He commended Konstas for standing up for himself when needed.

"I've been really impressed with how he's gone about it. I think people mistake confidence with bullying or abuse. You’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play cricket shots. I don't think that's illegal, but some people take offence and want to put him back in his place," Cummins said.

"For us, it's always just bring yourself every day, be yourself, and go about it how you think represents you best and how you want to play. I think he's been really good this series. He's stood up for himself when needed," he added.

Sam Konstas Likely to Retain His Place in the Upcoming Tour of Sri Lanka

Sam Konstas scored 22 runs off 17 balls on Day 3 of the fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 5. Australia successfully chased down the 162-run target to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15.

The right-handed batter made his debut in the Boxing Day Test against India, scoring 60 runs in his debut innings. He scored a total of 113 runs in four innings at an average of 28.25. He is likely to retain his place for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka as Australia continues to prepare him for the Ashes 2025.

Also read: Scott Boland eyeing permanent spot in Australia's Test XI? Pacer speaks out after BGT heroics