Sam Konstas furore takes sickening turn as vile abuse emerges

There are two words you never say in Australian cricket - and now they’ve been uttered India has completely lost the moral high ground.

The furore surrounding Sam Konstas and Jasprit Bumrah has taken a dark turn with sickening abuse emerging after the first day of the New Year’s Test.

The plucky Aussie teenager and fast-bowling destroyer have emerged as the most heated personal rivalry of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series ever since Konstas stepped onto the field to make his debut at the Boxing Day Test.

Sledges have been flying in all directions on and off the field, but the storm crossed a line on Friday night as it emerged sickening cyber abuse has been directed at the opening batsman.

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In the final over of the day’s play at the SCG, the Indian quick and the Aussie youngster had to be separated by the on-field umpire.

As Bumrah was set to charge in with the second last ball, Usman Khawaja had stepped back from the stumps causing Bumrah to throw his hands into the air.

Sam Konstas traded barbs with Jasprit Bumrah.

Konstas wasn’t happy and gave Bumrah a piece of his mind as the two moved towards one another. The Indian star got the last laugh as he picked up the wicket of Khawaja with the final ball of the day.

As the edge was snapped up in the slips cordon, Bumrah instantly turned and stared down Konstas as the Aussie openers made their way off the SCG to wrap up the day.

Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket: “Konstas is engaging, going at him. I don’t really know if it’s much of his business to get involved, the young man. He’s riled them here, Konstas.”

Isa Guha said: “This kid has no fear. Just his second Test match, he knows all about game management.”

Jasprit Bumrah and Sam Konstas had to be separated. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP.

When Khawaja fell, Bumrah roared in the direction of Konstas.

Gilchrist said: “They’re charging in from everywhere … All sorts of drama here.

“It was Bumrah who turned to Konstas. He learns a tough lesson in his second Test match.

“The celebration was somewhat unique. Normally it’s hands in the air but they all turned and fixed their eyes on one man.”

The thrilling opening day ended with Australia 1/9 after rolling India for 185.

The abuse being directed at Konstas continued well after players had walked off the field — and, in a sickening development, some social media users called for Konstas to receive the same treatment as Phillip Hughes.

Social media users' vile abuse. Photo: X.

The cricket world continues to mourn Hughes. He died 10 years ago after being hit in the head during a Sheffield Shield match.

There has been outrage surrounding the trolling comments.

“You should the tweets from Indian fans encouraging bumrah to give him the Phillip Hughes treatment, absolutely disgusting,” One X user wrote.

Another cricket fan posted: “I love a bit of sports banter but some of these comments from Indian supporters are despicable.

“Imagine being this hurt by a 19 year old and wishing Bumrah repeats one of the biggest sports tragedies. People need to be better.”

One X user wrote: “Seeing Indian fans wishing a “Phillip Hughes” on Sam Konstas is next level disgusting. Absolutely vile.”

One Indian fan was also affronted.

“They go too far. When people comment like this, I feel like yuck. Come with better comebacks, we all are here for entertainment and fun.

“I want Bumrah to make the batting tough and very hard for Konstas and ultimately take his wicket in couple of overs but that Phillip Hughes comment definitely shows the sick mentality of people.”

All eyes will be on Konstas and Bumrah on Saturday morning when hostilities resume at the SCG.

Originally published as Sam Konstas furore takes sickening turn as vile abuse emerges