Team India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant said he adopted a more restrained approach in the first innings of the fifth and final Test match against Australia. Rishabh Pant said the pitch conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) prevented him from playing in his usual attacking style.
Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first after winning the toss in Sydney on Friday, January 3. With the team down 57-3, the punt came at the crease. The left-handed hitter adjusted his approach depending on the situation. He was also sent off for 40 points after receiving several body blows from the pacers.
He could have had a 50-50 chance but he didn’t – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, who faced criticism for his performance in Melbourne, said in the press conference after the first day’s play that the pitch conditions at the SCG did not allow him to play offensively. He added that there were moments when he could have taken a risk, but instead chose to play safe.
“I don’t think we had the desire to take control of the game because we had too many wickets in this innings and the situation we were in. I felt like we could play a little while we were playing.” He is the epitome of defensive cricket,” Pant said.
“Yes, there is a time to attack, but you have to feel it from within. You can’t plan how you’re going to play. No matter what the game demands that day, that’s what I’m going to do. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
“That was my mindset. I don’t think it’s that difficult. The first part when you see a ball to hit can be difficult. But sometimes you have to play smarter cricket. “I might have had a 50-50 chance to get ahead early in the inning.” ”
Trying to maintain a balance between attack and defense – Rishabh Pant
The 27-year-old admitted he is working on finding the right balance between attack and defence. Pant admitted that batsmen often overthink when they are not doing well.
“Most of the time you’d want to go back to the way you used to play the game, but ultimately you have to keep evolving. I feel there’s more than one way to play cricket. It comes naturally. What happens is always good, but you have to find a balance between playing aggressive cricket and choosing your shots.
That’s what I try to do – make the most of my style while keeping it simple. It’s important not to overthink because you can overthink things when you’re not having the best time on tour. I try to keep things straightforward and give my 200% on the field. ”
I don’t know how good this track’s score is – Beau Webster
Australia’s debutant all-rounder Beau Webster agreed with Rishabh Pant’s assessment of the pitch. Webster stressed that the Indian batsmen will focus on making the Australian bowlers work hard by bowling for long periods.
“They (Indian batsmen) knuckled down and forced us to play a lot of overs. I don’t know how good the score would have been on this course, but if he had won the toss we would have been first. I would have hit it,” Webster said.
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