In Test cricket, most batters stick to traditional techniques, but players like Rishabh Pant break the mold with their audacious and unconventional strokeplay.
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy witnessed yet another example of Pant’s brilliance as he executed a jaw-dropping shot off Australian skipper Pat Cummins.
During a promising partnership with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pant looked comfortable and confident. Facing the last ball of Cummins’ 12th over, Pant moved across his stumps, got down on one knee to a full delivery outside off, and astonishingly scooped the ball over the fine leg boundary for a six.
The sheer audacity and precision of the shot, played to a ball least expected to head in that direction, left everyone in awe.
Unfortunately, Pant’s counter-attacking innings was cut short shortly after, as he edged a delivery to Steve Smith at second slip, who took a sharp catch. His dismissal ended a crucial stand with Reddy, leaving India struggling to recover from a poor start.
What initially seemed like a good toss to win turned sour for India. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal fell cheaply, with Jaiswal departing for 8 and Padikkal enduring a 23-ball duck. KL Rahul tried to steady the innings but was eventually dismissed, leaving the team reeling further.
Josh Hazlewood compounded India’s woes, removing Virat Kohli for just 5 runs, and the visitors found themselves bowled out for a meager 150. Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as the top scorer with a gritty knock, but the team’s overall performance with the bat left much to be desired.
With India’s bowlers now tasked with defending a low total, all eyes will be on their ability to exploit the conditions and restrict Australia to a manageable score. The first day of the Perth Test has already delivered excitement, and the coming sessions promise more intrigue.