melbourne
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar slammed Rishabh Pant for playing a ‘stupid shot’, saying he lost his wicket at a time when the team needed it the most. In the fourth Test against Australia, the Indian team was in dire need of partnership at that time but Pant was caught by Nathan Lyon at deep thirdman while attempting a scoop shot to Scott Boland at fine leg.
Gavaskar said during the commentary, “Stupid, extremely stupid.” There are two fielders standing there but despite that this shot was played. Despite missing on the previous shot and getting caught at deep third man. This is like losing your wicket.” He said, ”And that too when the team is in these conditions. The situation should also have been understood. You can’t say that this is your natural game. This is not your natural game. It was a stupid shot. You have disappointed the team.” He said, ”He should not go to the dressing room. He should go to another dressing room.
On Saturday, Ravindra Jadeja (17 runs in 51 balls) and Pant started the day well. Pant also hit some fours but lost his wicket by playing an unnecessary reverse lap pull shot at long leg. When he tried to play this shot for the first time on Scott Boland’s ball, the ball hit him near the navel and he looked in pain. He got up and did not understand that Pat Cummins had placed the fielder at deep fine leg and deep third man to stop the reverse and reverse lap shot. Pant again played the same shot and due to extra bounce, the ball went straight to the fielder at third man.
After this, on the basis of 127-run partnership of Nitish Kumar Reddy (105 not out) and Washington Sundar (50), India scored 358 runs for 9 wickets till stumps on the third day against Australia. Australia had added 474 runs in the first innings. By making a record partnership, both the players not only saved the follow-on but also justified coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to include them in the playing eleven. Nitish scored his first test century.
