[Watch] Rishabh Pant edges one to second slip off Cummins to depart for 37 in 1st BGT 2024-25 TestÂ
Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's resistance at the crease came to an end as he nicked one to the slip cordon off Pat Cummins' bowling on Day 1 of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The left-handed player departed after scoring 37 runs off 78 deliveries, ending up as the top scorer among the visiting batters.
Pant played a crucial hand after Team India's top order folded out without significant contributions. The southpaw was left stranded, particularly in the second session, when he had to watch Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar depart in quick succession.
He found a reliable partner in debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy as the two forged a partnership for the seventh wicket to steer India into the three-figure mark for the innings.
Pant slowly switched gears, trying to balance caution with aggression to keep the scoreboard ticking. He looked assured in defence, and at the same time, was at his audacious self to chip in with boundaries, which included a six off Cummins.
The Australian skipper tested Pant with a probing line outside the off-stump. The left-handed batter was tempted by a full delivery, which he tried to play across the line. The stroke exposed the outside edge, and the resulting contact led to a simple catch for Steve Smith.
Have a look at the dismissal right here:
This marked Pat Cummins' first wicket of the match. He came into the attack after the new ball carnage by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc and has been testing the Indian batters with this pace and ability to extract bounce.
Team India close to being bowled out after Rishabh Pant's dismissal
Pant's dismissal left India at 121-7 in the 46th over. Despite a well-settled Nitish Kumar Reddy at the other end, the keeper-batter's wicket has exposed India's tail.
It did not take long for Australia to make another breakthrough as Josh Hazlewood took Harshit Rana's wicket, courtesy of a stunning catch by Marnus Labuschagne in the slip cordon after some help from Nathan McSweeney.
India are currently placed at 136-8 after 48 overs, with stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah coming to the crease.