The ‘cocky’ Sam Konstas conundrum dividing Australian cricket greats

There’s a fine line between cockiness and confidence - and Sam Konstas’ SCG theatrics have split some of Australia’s greatest cricketers.

You could call it the Konstas conundrum – how far should Australia’s fresh faced batting tyro push the envelope?

Sam Konstas’ fresh energy in the Boxing Day Test had been lauded by many as the best thing to happen to Australian cricket in years.

But his decision to have a few sharp words to Indian great Jasprit Bumrah after the bowler became frustrated with Usman Khawaja’s time wasting just before stumps on day one of the Sydney Test has polarised the cricket world.

The Indians got sweet revenge on day two when Konstas gave a flashing edge to gully off Mohammed Siraj as debate over his tactics continued with several important voices saying it’s time for the Australian hierarchy to have a “quiet word’’.

Former Test selector Merv Hughes has given Konstas’ attitude qualified support.

“I’m enjoying him - he reminds me of David Warner in the way he gives lip to the opposition but Warner backed it up with runs,’’ Hughes told this masthead.

“That’s his challenge. If you are going to dish it out you have to back it up and if you do, that’s fine. Otherwise life becomes very difficult, very quickly. But I don’t mind it.’’

Test great Allan Border is one of several former players who feels the youngster may need to pull his head in.

“I would have had a chat by now,” Border said on Fox Cricket when asked by fellow commentator Mark Howard about whether he would be happy to see Konstas continue with the on-field chirp.

Sam Konstas has much to learn.
I hope the dressing room is offering that guidance without suppressing his confidence and youthful enthusiasm. #AUSvINDIA

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 3, 2025

“There’s a subtle difference between cocky and confidence and I think he’s just tipped over to the cocky side.

“From his own personal point of view I’d just like to see him concentrate on what he does best and that’s batting and getting big scores.”

Tom Moody agreed, saying on X “I hope the dressing room is offering that guidance without suppressing his confidence and youthful enthusiasm.’’

Konstas has polarised cricket fans around Australia with a News Corp story on him receiving luxurious praise and extreme criticism among more than 400 comments.

“Konstas is a very refreshing reminder of the “characters” we had in cricket during the 70s and early 80s. The “wowsers” suggesting he “pull his head in” are wrong,’’ one reader said.

Another countered with: “He’s got ahead of himself. Sledging Bumrah was a step too far. That’s the sort of attitude was the one which used to prevail before Sandpapergate.’’

Test great Ricky Ponting said on Channel 7 Konstas did not need to pick battles which did not directly involve him.

“I didn’t like Konstas getting involved,’’ Ponting said.

“That was not his battle to fight. It was between Khawaja and Bumrah. For the young man there, I hope that there was some talking to from the Australian dressing room last night because he should have stayed out of that, let his senior player handle the last couple of balls.”