‘He reminded me of Virender Sehwag back in 2003′- Justin Langer awed by Sam Konstas’ knock

Sam Konstas and Virendra Sehwag.
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an aggressive opening knock from debutant Sam Konstas on Boxing Day in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 19-year-old Aussie batter scored 60 from 65 before getting dismissed by Jadeja. The youngster’s innings amazed former cricketers and experts alike, eliciting high praise.

The opening batter scored the fastest half-century on Test debut for an Australian batter. One of the highlights of his innings was the reverse scoop off Jasprit Bumrah for a six. Former Australian head coach and opener Justin Langer praised and compared the young batter to Virender Sehwag’s knock at the MCG in 2003. The veteran was appreciative of the opener for taking all the pressure off Khawaja who finally managed to find some form in this match.

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“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.

“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,” Langer added.

Speaking of the events of Day 1, Australia managed to end the day at 311/6 after half centuries from Konstas, Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith. Bumrah was the best bowler for India, picking up 3/75. The other Indian bowlers largely struggled to give breakthroughs and they would be looking to rectify it to wrap up Australia’s first innings quickly on Day 2.

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