Skipper Pat Cummins admitted that Rishabh Pant had a 'big impact' in India's campaign to win two consecutive Test series in Australia and stressed the need to keep the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman 'quiet' in the five-Test series later this year. Pant, 26, who played a key role in India's historic Test wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, made a stunning comeback to Test cricket after being injured in a horrific car accident in December 2022, scoring a century in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh last week.
Memorable innings played at Gabba
“He is a player who has had a huge impact in the last few series and we have to try and keep him quiet,” Cummins said on 'Star Sports'. Known for his unconventional shots like reverse and one-handed flick, Pant has made significant contributions in his last two Test series against Australia. Pant scored 624 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 62.40 during this period, with his highest score being 159 not out. He scored an unbeaten 89 in the second innings at the Gabba in 2021 to ensure Australia's first defeat at this ground in 32 years and also helped India win the series 2-1.
Comparison with Head and Marsh
The 31-year-old fast bowler compared Pant's aggressive attitude to his teammates Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Cummins said, “Every team has one or two players who can change the course of the match. You know, we have players like Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. I think with these players, they are going to be aggressive. If you miss even a little, they will be ready for it. ” The Kangaroo team will be trying to win its first Test series against India since 2014-15. The five-match series will begin with the Perth Test on November 22.
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