SYDNEY: Pushing through the pain is familiar territory for Rishabh Pant. Taking a backward step, though, is breaking new ground. The passivity of Pant's innings on Day One, a 98-ball 40 on an SCG pitch which he described as "a little tough," was an unusual fallout of the criticism he has copped since throwing his wicket away twice in the previous game.
For a batsman of Pant's capabilities, defending innocuous deliveries may be the most difficult task. Tasked with batting more responsibly, he often appeared muddled, being struck on the body multiple times by Australia's pacers. Some of the blows led to severe bruising, especially with Mitchell Starc clocking speeds of 147 kph in the afternoon session.
