In the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, Rishabh Pant showcased his trademark flair and resilience. After a dismal start that saw India crumbling to 150 all out, Pant, alongside debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, attempted to stabilize the innings. The duo’s partnership was a silver lining on a day marked by batting failures, as they navigated through the rubble left by the top and middle-order collapse.
Pant’s innings included a breathtaking six off Australian captain Pat Cummins, which momentarily lifted the spirits of Indian fans. Facing a full delivery angled into off-stump, Pant executed a brilliant shot that soared over the fine-leg boundary. This moment of brilliance not only highlighted his aggressive batting style but also provided a glimpse of hope for the struggling Indian side.
Pat Cummins’ cunning plan gets Rishabh Pant
However, it was Cummins who ultimately had the last laugh. After setting up Pant with a series of deliveries outside off-stump, Cummins bowled a straighter ball that induced an error from Pant, leading to his dismissal for 37 runs. Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey noted how Cummins’ strategy effectively pried on Pant’s patience, culminating in a crucial wicket for Australia. Hussey described Cummins as a “smart bowler” who expertly manipulated the situation to his advantage.
“This is why you can have a fast bowler as a Captain. He’s a smart bowler, smart captain, Pat Cummins. Throwing it outside off-stump, prying on the patience of Rishabh Pant, and just got a little bit fuller. Rishabh Pant, he saw that midwicket tried to work it in there,” the Australian cricketer-turned-commentator explained.
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Here’s the video:
Too good, Pat Cummins!
Mike Hussey explains the Aussie captain’s set-up of Rishabh Pant #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bIfdGUqfwR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024
A disappointing batting performance from India in the first innings
Despite Pant’s efforts, India’s batting performance was largely disappointing. The top order faltered early, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal both falling for ducks. KL Rahul’s dismissal in a controversial caught-behind decision added to the woes, leaving India reeling at 59 for five at one point. Reddy emerged as a standout performer with a composed 41 runs, but apart from him and Pant, there was little else to cheer about for Indian fans.
As India head into the next days of this Test match, the focus will be on rebuilding their batting strategy.