Justin Langer reveals KL Rahul's take on Sam Konstas before Boxing Day Test

Former Australian batter and coach Justin Langer discussed a conversation with KL Rahul regarding Sam Konstas's aggressive batting against India on the first day of the Boxing Day Test.

Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in the Australian squad for the fourth Test due to McSweeney's poor run of form.

Australian selectors chose Konstas to debut at the MCG against India's bowling attack.

Konstas's selection followed a strong performance in the unofficial Test against India A, where he displayed a range of unconventional shots.

Langer recounted his pre-match conversation with Rahul about Konstas. Rahul had doubted Konstas's ability to replicate his aggressive style in the Test match.

"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," Langer said on Star Sports.

Konstas quickly proved Rahul wrong, hitting a ramp shot off Jasprit Bumrah for four. His confident and aggressive batting propelled Australia to a strong position.

Konstas's innings of 60 off 65 balls helped Australia reach 311/6 at the end of the day's play, impressing spectators and former cricketers alike.

"He's been given a licence 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," he added.