NEW DELHI: Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is known for giving his counterparts a run for their money, as seen during India’s last two tours Down Under, where he engaged in sledging with Australian players behind the stumps.
Pant’s chatter behind the stumps also grabbed attention when it was picked up by the stump mic. On the second day of the pink-ball Test against Australia, his witty comments seemed to impress Cheteshwar Pujara, who jokingly made a wish for him while commentating.
“Rishabh ki comment toh aati rahengi aur kafi baar interesting bhi hoti hai toh unka bolna bhaut hi zaruri hai, thoda sledge bhi karenge toh acha rahega Australian ballebaz ko (Rishabh’s comments will keep coming and are often interesting, so it’s important for him to speak. If he does a bit of sledging, it will be good for the Australian batters),” Pujara said.
Talking about the match, Travis Head played a scintillating knock of 140 as Australia posted 337 to take control of the day-night second Test.
Batting at number five, Head scored almost a run a ball, blasting 17 fours and four sixes, leading Australia’s response to India’s 180.
Resuming on 86-1, Australia were bowled out in the third over after tea, with Marnus Labuschagne contributing a gritty 64 to give them a first-innings lead of 157.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler with figures of 4-61, while Mohammed Siraj supported well with 4-98.