Rishabh Pant out: The Indian wicket-keeper batsman enticed heartening words from the cricketing fraternity after his gutsy knock.
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During the fifth day of the third Test of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia in Sydney, India wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has played a career-defining innings which has instantly brought back his team into the contest.
Promoted to bat at No. 5 after captain Ajinkya Rahane (4) fell cheaply in the first 10 minutes of the final day, Pant registered his third Test half-century in a counter-attacking manner to become a cause of concern for the hosts.
In what would’ve been a third Test century and second one at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Pant narrowly missed the feat as his constant attempt of attacking the opposition bowlers led to his dismissal.
ALSO WATCH: Rishabh Pant smashes Nathan Lyon for massive six at the SCG
Wanting to take on Australia spinner Nathan Lyon yet again, Pant ended up slicing the ball to Australia vice-captain Pat Cummins at point. From being at 5 (33) to eventually scoring 97 (118), the 23-year old player hitting 12 fours and three sixes with an injured elbow speaks highly of his grit and determination.
During his stay in the middle, Pant was often seen struggling with pain but the same didn’t stop him from taking on the Australian bowlers. The fact he didn’t pick a bowler or two but continuously attacked each one of them tells as to why this will go down as one of his best Test knocks.
Pant’s fearless approach in a daunting 407-run chase did open the chase to a large extent for the visitors. Having said that, a lot still needs to be done with respect to reaching to the target.
Rishabh Pant out
The kind of knock one’s always been talking about, right? Chips are down and a little fearless counter attacking madness which ruffles up the opposition. Pant’s blitz has kept us alive .. Whatever the result – That was special @RishabhPant17 #IndvAus
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) January 11, 2021
No matter what happens from here that was an incredibly gutsy innings by Rishabh. Playing through pain, hit on the helmet, immense pressure against this bowling attack. Would have liked to see him get his 100. #AUSvIND
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 11, 2021
What a knock @RishabhPant17 – be proud of what you have done – that is one of the best counter attacking day 5 knocks by an Indian in the history of test cricket. Come on @cheteshwar1 and @Hanumavihari
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) January 11, 2021
Well played brother ! 🙌❤️ https://t.co/XCMcSUvCjN
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 11, 2021
Be immediately suspicious of anyone who says Pant can’t play international cricket.
— Varun Shetty (@varunshetty) January 11, 2021
Did Pant chance his arms a bit too much? Of course he did. But he has also dragged India back in to this game. #INDvAUS
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) January 11, 2021
What a knock! More special than either of his overseas Test hundreds (arguably). Probably gives a fresh lease of life to him as specialist Test batsman. But that’s a discussion for later.
Right now… just… well played Rishabh Pant. 👏🏼 #AusvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 11, 2021
पंत भला तो सब भला.
Wasn’t a century but what a helluva knock under pressure…fought the odds and the injury. #RishabhPant #AusvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021
Alas and alack, @RishabhPant17’s great counterattacking knock comes to an end with the Aussies almost on the mat. Changes tenor of the match. Pressure back on India to survive almost two sessions
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 11, 2021
Take a bow @RishabhPant17 .. you lit up our Monday morning with your innings of flair and character.. And @cheteshwar1 . 6000 test runs and counting.. keep going guys! We can still do this! #INDvAUS
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 11, 2021
He may not have got his 💯 but @RishabhPant17 can be very proud at the way he batted. Got India back into the game with his aggressive stroke play. Well done young man. #AUSvIND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 11, 2021
Sitting here watching Rishabh Pant – who’s no doubt batting through elbow pain – bring up his half this morning has been an absolute delight. 🇮🇳🇦🇺#AUSvIND
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) January 11, 2021
The century wasn’t to be. But it is easily Pant’s best test innings. You can’t fault him the shot because it was many of those that offered a glimmer of victory when none believed it was possible.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 11, 2021
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