Under-fire Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once again threw away a good start, falling for 40 on day one of the final Test against Australia in Sydney. Despite taking multiple heavy hits to the body, Pant couldn't resist his attacking instincts and was dismissed by pacer Scott Boland. India's opening session was plagued by regular skipper Rohit Sharma opting to rest and top-order woes, with only 50 runs scored in 25 overs.
India's Pant Throws Away Good Start in Final Test Against Australia
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once again failed to convert a good start into a substantial innings, falling for 40 on day one of the final Test against Australia in Sydney.
Despite taking multiple heavy hits to the body from Australian pacers, Pant couldn't resist his attacking instincts and was dismissed by Scott Boland, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence during the Ashes series.
Pant's wicket was a major blow for India, who were already struggling at 50 for 2 after the opening session. Skipper Rohit Sharma opted to rest, while top-order batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill were dismissed cheaply.
Background
Pant has been a key figure in India's Test resurgence in recent years, but his performances have been inconsistent at times. He has a tendency to throw away good starts with reckless shots, as was the case in Sydney.
In the first Test of the series in Adelaide, Pant was dismissed for a duck after hitting two sixes off Nathan Lyon. He recovered to score 36 in the second innings, but was again guilty of playing a rash stroke.
Top 5 FAQs
Sharma has been carrying a hamstring injury for several months. He missed the first two Tests of the series and returned in the third Test in Melbourne, where he scored a century. However, he is still not fully recovered and decided to rest for the final Test.
Boland is a 32-year-old right-arm fast bowler. He made his Test debut against England in the Ashes series and has taken 18 wickets in four matches. He is known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball late.
The final Test is the last opportunity for India to avoid a series defeat. Australia has already won the first two Tests and can seal the series with a win in Sydney.
India will need to bat well and put pressure on Australia's bowlers. The pitch in Sydney is expected to be good for batting, so the team that can score the most runs is likely to win.
Pant is still a young player with a lot of potential. However, he needs to improve his shot selection and consistency. If he can do that, he has the ability to become one of the best batsmen in the world.
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