The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was packed with high-intensity drama, both on and off the field. One memorable moment unfolded during the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, involving India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s rising star, 19-year-old Sam Konstas. This heated exchange became one of the talking points of the series.
The incident occurred late on the opening day of the Test when Usman Khawaja, batting at the non-striker’s end, halted Bumrah as he prepared to bowl the penultimate delivery of the day. Bumrah, visibly displeased, was taken aback by the delay. Sensing the tension, Konstas, standing at the striker’s end and serving as Australia’s stand-in skipper, stepped in and engaged in a fiery exchange with Bumrah.
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Neither player backed down, setting the stage for an intense battle. On the very next ball, Bumrah had the last laugh as Khawaja edged a delivery to KL Rahul in the slips, sparking wild celebrations from the Indian team. Bumrah and his teammates directed their joy toward Konstas, their gestures charged with aggression, underscoring the heightened emotions of the moment.
Reflecting on the incident, Sam Konstas later admitted his role in escalating the situation. Speaking to Triple M Cricket, he said, “Oh, I didn’t get too fazed. Unfortunately, Uzi (Khawaja) got out. He was trying to buy some time a little bit. It was probably my fault, but it happens. It’s cricket. Credit to Bumrah. He got the wicket, but obviously, a great performance from the team.”
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The six-wicket victory in Sydney secured Australia’s first Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in a decade, as they clinched the series 3-1. For India, the loss dashed their hopes of making it to a third consecutive World Test Championship final. The tour was particularly disappointing, as India had taken an early lead with a win in the series opener at Perth, only to falter in the remaining matches.
