"I asked him, 'Have you seen this kid?'" - Justin Langer reveals interesting chat with Indian batter before Day 1 of 4th BGT 2024-25 Test

Former Australian head coach Justin Langer has opened up on an interesting chat he had with Indian batter KL Rahul over debutant Sam Konstas ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Langer claimed that Rahul told him the 19-year-old would not be able to play the kind of ramp strokes he pulled off during the practice match between India and the Prime Minister's XI game.

Konstas slammed 107 off 97 balls, with the aid of 14 fours and a six, while representing Prime Minister's XI in the practice match against India. Handed his Test debut at the MCG on Thursday, December 26, the youngster repaid the faith shown in him, slamming 60 off only 65 balls.

Konstas pulled off a number of audacious scoop and ramp strokes off India's bowlers, singling out Jasprit Bumrah for some harsh treatment. Speaking to Star Sports, Langer opened up on his conversation with Rahul over the debutant's batting ability ahead of the ongoing Test. He said (as quoted by ANI):

"He's only played 11 first-class games, but I did speak to KL Rahul before the game. I asked him, 'Have you seen this kid, Sam Konstas?' And he said, 'Oh, we only saw him in the Prime Minister's XI game (50 overs). He was playing these ramp shots and all this sort of stuff.' Rahul said, 'But he won't do that today.' I said, 'Yeah, sure, he won't do that today.' And straight away, Sam Konstas was doing that."

The 54-year-old hailed the Test debutant for the manner in which he took on India's best bowler of the series, Bumrah, and came out on top in the battle. Admitting that it was not an easy task, Langer commented:

"He's been given a license to go and attack Bumrah, but that's not easy--that is so hard to do. Even in T20 cricket, I think Bumrah's economy rate is as good as anyone's. So it's not easy to do that. But the kid was bold, talking a good game, and then he came and put it into action. That's what great players do. Anyone can talk a good game. He came and put it into action, and it was exciting to watch."

Konstas struck six fours and two sixes in his aggressive knock. His fine innings ended when he was trapped leg before by a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja.

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Jasprit Bumrah leads India's fightback on Day 1 of 4th BGT 2024-25 Test

Batting first after winning the toss, Australia got off to a great start as Konstas and Usman Khawaja (57) added 89 for the first wicket. Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Steven Smith (68*) also cracked half-centuries as the Aussies found themselves in a commanding position at 237-2.

Bumrah, however, struck some crucial blows as Australia went to stumps on Day 1 at 311-6. After dismissing Khawaja, he sent back Travis Head (0) and Mitchell Marsh (4) cheaply. Akash Deep also chipped in with the scalp of Alex Carey (31).