From second string to No 1 for Pant
SYDNEY: In one careerdefining series, India’s Rishabh Pant has gone from his country’s secondchoice gloveman to the best wicketkeeperbatsman in the world.
The dashing 23yearold was left out of the first test against Australia in Adelaide, when veteran Wriddhiman Saha was preferred behind the stumps.
But with Saha putting in an average display and Virat Kohli’s men trounced by eight wickets after being bowled out for 36 in their second innings, the explosive Pant was summoned for the Boxing Day test in Melbourne.
He helped India level the series in an eightwicket win before setting the SCG alight in the second innings of the third test, where he counterpunched with a swashbuckling 97 off 118 balls to help India earn a draw.
But the lefthander saved his best for last in the seriesdeciding Gabba test, when he cracked an unbeaten 89 to lead India in a successful record 328run chase and secure the BorderGavaskar Trophy.
His careerdefining innings helped catapult him to No 13 in the latest ICC world batting rankings, the highestplaced wicketkeeper, ahead of South African Quinton de Kock.
‘‘It’s been a dream series after not playing the first test match,’’Pant said after the heroic Gabba knock.
‘‘Management backs me that I’m a matchwinner, that’s the only thing I keep thinking. I want to win matches for India and I’m happy for that today.’’
Marnus Labuschagne’s first innings century at the Gabba took the Queenslander past Kohli in the batting ranks to No 3, his bestever position, behind New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and compatriot Steve Smith.
Josh Hazlewood, who took six weeks in the test, including five for 57 in the first innings, leapfrogged Kiwi Tim Southee into fourth.
Australia vicecaptain Pat Cummins remains the best bowler in the world, his 21 wickets also earning him manoftheseries honours. — AAP