Sam Konstas Leaves Langer Awestruck, Draws Parallel to '2003 Virender Sehwag'

After Australia opted to bat on what seemed like an excellent pitch, Konstas swiftly demonstrated why he is considered one of the top prospects in Australian cricket. His explosive innings featured daring shots and a fearless mindset, as he confidently challenged India's leading pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, with remarkable reverse lap scoops and powerful drives.

His partnership with Usman Khawaja (38*) helped Australia settle well, with the duo adding 89 runs for the first wicket.

Former Australia opener Justin Langer was awestruck by the debutant's confidence and aggressive approach, and compared him to another attacking former opener, Virender Sehwag. The former India star is widely regarded as one of the batters to have revolutionised Test batting with his aggressive strokeplay, and Langer believes Konstas displayed a similar confidence.

“That's the word (awe). Before the game, Sam Konstas was very confident, had been speaking a lot. He has backed it up with his actions, has been incredible to watch. He reminded me of Virender Sehwag back in 2003, when he scored 195 off 233 balls on Day 1. He blew us away, we couldn't believe the confidence,” Langer said during his commentary stint on Star Sports.

Took the pressure off Khawaja

The Australian teenager began cautiously with a few play-and-miss moments against Bumrah’s opening over, but once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. His first reverse lap-scoop off Bumrah was followed by a massive six over mid-on, and he continued to pile on the runs with another reverse scoop boundary, this time wide of third man.

Langer believes this aggressive approach also helped his partner Usman Khawaja, who has struggled throughouth the series.

“We also see that the way Konstas has played on debut, he has freed up Usman Khawaja. He has looked at ease, he was used to batting with David Warner, who played with an aggressive approach. Now, he's playing with a partner with a similar approach, and that takes a lot of pressure off,” said Langer.

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