‘Some Think I’m Arrogant But…’: Sam Konstas Opens About His On-Field Behaviour

Last Updated:January 21, 2025, 09:34 IST

Sam Konstas made his Test debut for Australia against India in the Boxing Day Test, which was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and scored a half-century in the first innings.

Sam Konstas opens about his on-field behaviour. [Photo: AP]

19-year-old Sam Konstas made his international debut for Australia in the Boxing Day Test played against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and made headlines for his attacking approach as well as on-field behaviour. He became the youngest Australian batter to score a half-century on Test debut and also provoked Indian players with his on-field antics, which invited him severe criticism as well from some greats of the game.

Almost a month after his Test debut for the Baggy Greens, Konstas opened up about the Boxing Day Test and said it was a dream come true moment for him.

“It’s interesting seeing how people view me on the field. Some think I’m arrogant, but I feel like I’m just pretty confident and just back my skills. Obviously a dream come true, representing my country, singing the anthem, looking at Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, I was like, ‘Far out, this is real. I did (stop and think) a few days ago; I was like, ‘Did I actually do that on the field?’”, Konstas told 7NEWS in an interview.

According to the young right-handed batter before his first match as an Australian player, he had a chat with Nathan Lyon, where he told him that he is going to take the match against India as any other grade game.

“I told the boys it’s just another grade game. I said that to Nathan Lyon, and he said, ‘Mate, what are you on?’ But for me, what an opportunity to show them what I’ve got.”

Konstas also opened up about his shoulder bump incident involving Virat Kohli in the first session of Day 1’s play of the Melbourne Test and said he has no regrets over what happened on the field.

“No, I have no regrets. I like to live by that, and it was so special. I’ve watched it so many times, I’m not going to lie. Even going to the nets, little kids coming up for photos, I’m happy to sign autographs, take my time away from cricket, because I was one of them.”

The youngster said he wants to be the best player in the world and wants everyone to remember him.

“People would text me and say, ‘I’m watching cricket again because of you.’ I got very happy hearing people say that to me. I want to be the best player in the world. I want everyone to remember Sam Konstas, who I am on and off the field, so hopefully that can come true,” shared Konstas.

Location :

Sydney, Australia