Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has criticized national team coach Andrew McDonald for his comments accusing the Indian cricket team of “intimidating” young Australian batter Sam Konstas during the first day of the Sydney Test. McDonald had expressed concerns over the Indian players’ aggressive behavior toward Konstas, calling it “unfair,” but Hogg believes the coach overreacted.  

The controversy began with a heated exchange between India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah and Konstas at the non-striker’s end. The tension escalated when Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja shortly afterward and celebrated by running toward Konstas. The Indian players followed suit, collectively directing their energy toward the young batter.  

Andrew McDonald later accused the Indian team of trying to intimidate Konstas, a teenager making his mark in international cricket. This claim sparked a heated debate, with Hogg leading the charge against the Australian coach.  

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hogg dismissed McDonald’s comments as an overreaction. “The coach is coming out and saying that the Indian players were intimidating Konstas, and there is a mental health issue there. I think that is taking it a little bit too far,” Hogg said.  

He further pointed out that cricket involves on-field banter and players must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. “If you want to say a few words to the opposition team, you want to hit balls for four, walk down and give the bowler a serve while he is walking back to the mark, you are going to have to sit there and cop it on the way back as well,” he added.  

Hogg urged McDonald to concentrate on coaching his players instead of criticizing the Indian team’s behaviour. He highlighted that Konstas has a history of fiery exchanges with Indian players, including a physical clash with Virat Kohli during the Melbourne Test, which resulted in Kohli being fined 20% of his match fee.  

“The coach should not be talking about Indian intimidation,” Hogg stated. “He should be talking to his player about how to handle the opposition’s reaction. If you want to give it out, you’ve got to take it back as well.”  

Hogg’s remarks underline the need for accountability on the field, especially for younger players like Konstas, who are still navigating the mental and emotional challenges of international cricket.