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On Day 3 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s dismissal, after playing an unconventional shot, sparked a heated debate among commentators. The shot, which saw Pant caught at third man, became the subject of criticism from former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh, while Michael Hussey defended Pant’s aggressive approach.
Mark Waugh criticizes Rishabh Pant’s shot selection
In the 56th over of India’s first innings, Scott Boland, bowling round the wicket, delivered a full ball outside off stump. Pant, attempting a lap or scoop shot, misjudged the delivery and top-edged it to third man. Australian fielder Nathan Lyon, positioned at third man, had little trouble in taking the catch. Pant’s unusual dismissal left fans and commentators puzzled, with many questioning his shot selection at such a crucial juncture of the innings.
Waugh criticized Pant’s shot, stating it was poor timing when India needed him to build an innings. While acknowledging Pant’s aggressive style, Waugh emphasized the importance of having boundaries and restraint in shot selection, suggesting that players should prioritize smart decisions with favorable percentages.
“That’s an awful shot when his team needed him to make an innings. I get it he’s an aggressive player and I want to see him be aggressive but you’ve still got to have some boundaries with the shots you play. There’s got to be a level of restraint and percentages in your favour and that shot falling down,” Waugh said on Fox Sports
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Michael Hussey defends Pant’s natural game
Hussey acknowledged that Pant’s shot was not ideal, especially for an Indian team fighting hard, but emphasized that it’s important not to doubt Pant’s natural aggressive style. While he expressed disappointment with the shot, Hussey believed Pant should continue playing in his free and clear manner, without changing his approach.
“It is a difficult situation because it’s not a great shot and it’s not a great look, especially for an Indian team looking to fight hard. But you don’t want to put doubt in his mind, he’s at his best when he’s clear and free and playing his natural way. I’d be disappointed with the shot, I’m sure he’d be disappointed with the shot but I don’t want him to change the way he plays,” Hussey responded
Waugh’s sarcastic reply to Hussey
Waugh, never one to shy away from playful banter, responded to Hussey’s defense with a sarcastic quip. He said: “That’s why you’re not head coach, just assistant coach.”
Hussey, who was part of England’s coaching staff during their victorious 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, found himself at the receiving end of Waugh’s witty remark, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise serious discussion.
