This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
Canada: 
Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
Constantly chirping in the ears of Australia’s batsmen, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant backed up the talk with a record performance as the tourists triumphed in the first test at Adelaide Oval.
The 21-year-old’s catch to dismiss Tim Paine after lunch on day five was his 10th for the match – the most by any wicketkeeper in a test played on Australian soil.
He then combined with Mohammed Shami to dismiss Mitchell Starc and equal the overall record held jointly by former England gloveman Jack Russell and South Africa great AB de Villiers.
Pant’s verbal barrage as India marched towards a nailbiting victory on day five was picked up clearly on the stump microphone and broadcast by Fox Sports.
“C’mon Pat, let’s see some sixes,” he goaded Pat Cummins as the tailender dug in for Australia.
Paine kept things relatively quiet during India’s time at the crease, mostly preferring to encourage his bowlers than target the opposition batsmen.
Pant was more vocal early on day five but nothing untoward emerged on the broadcast.
“There was nothing nasty, no sledging … just mind games,” former Australian opener Mike Hussey noted on Fox Sports.
Pant also provided entertainment on day four with a free-wheeling knock that resembled a T20 cameo more than a test innings.
India’s No 7 smashed 18 – including three fours and a six – off a single Nathan Lyon over before holing out to the off-spinner in the deep.
“He is capable of playing both games, not only play his shots which we know he can, but he has another aspect to his game,” India assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said.
“And for somebody who is just starting his career, exciting prospect to have.”
On-field relations will be in focus throughout the summer given the Australians’ pledge to improve their behaviour and the hostility between the sides in India last year.
Be the first to comment