India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has received massive praise from England star Harry Brook for his courageous batting in the second Test match against Australia in Adelaide. Notably, Pant came out to bat in the second innings with India losing by 91 runs and in a vulnerable position at 66/3 in 14.3 overs. The southpaw, however, was undaunted by the circumstances of the match and started his innings spectacularly by charging down the track and hitting Scott Boland for a four.
Brook praises Pant
Everyone was taken aback by Pant's batting, and even the commentators were impressed by his aggressive style. Harry Brook also commended his style of play, adding that England has mastered it over the last two years and comparing his batting to their Bazball strategy.
"I don't know if you saw Rishabh Pant last night run down the pitch first ball. To have that sort of courage to get off the mark first-ball is something that we've done exceptionally well over the last couple of years. We say it all the time - we're out there to score runs. We're not there to survive,” said Brook in the post-match press conference after the second Test vs New Zealand.
Pants has been scoring runs but has not been able to produce a big knock yet in the ongoing series. Even in India's, he was dismissed for 28 (31) in the second despite playing several bold strokes. Australia now has to win the second Test by 18 runs after India was bowled out for 175 in their second innings. After chasing down the goal in 3.2 overs without losing any wickets, the hosts easily made it home and tied the series at one.
Brook's stellar performance
Brook's match-winning century in the second Test match against New Zealand in Wellington earned him Player of the Match. England won by 323 runs with the help of the 25-year-old's outstanding 123 (115) in the first innings and 55 (61) in the second. Earlier, when England triumphed by eight wickets in the first Test, Brook had struck an incredible 171 (197). Because of his performances, he is currently vying for the #1 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, right behind teammate Joe Root.
