Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to overrule wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s suggestion for a DRS review during a crucial moment on Day 2 of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. The match saw tension rise as Pant later scolded pacer Akash Deep for squandering a review in the first innings, following a replay on the big screen.
Australia resumed play on Saturday, December 14, at 28/0 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, dismissing Usman Khawaja (21) and Nathan McSweeney (9) quickly, giving India a solid start. Khawaja fell to a sharp catch by Pant, while McSweeney’s dismissal came courtesy of Virat Kohli’s safe hands.
The contentious review incident occurred during the 50th over of Australia’s innings. India reviewed an LBW appeal against Steve Smith, but it was quickly deemed unnecessary, as the ball was missing the leg stump. Earlier, Akash Deep had wasted another review for an LBW against Smith, prompting a visibly frustrated Pant to reprimand the bowler.
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Amidst these moments, Smith and Marnus Labuschagne stitched together a 37-run partnership for the third wicket before Labuschagne departed for 12. Australia found stability with a commanding partnership between Smith and Travis Head. At Tea, Australia stood strong at 234/3, with Smith unbeaten on 65 and Head powering his way to a splendid 103*.
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On a brighter note for India, Rishabh Pant achieved a personal milestone during the 17th over of Australia’s innings. By catching Usman Khawaja off Bumrah’s bowling, Pant became the third Indian wicketkeeper to register 150 dismissals in Test cricket. His tally includes 135 catches and 15 stumpings.
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Pant joins an elite list, trailing only MS Dhoni (294 dismissals) and Syed Kirmani (198). Beyond his wicketkeeping achievements, Pant’s batting record is impressive, with 2,780 runs in 41 Tests at an average of 42.76, featuring six centuries and 14 fifties. His all-around contributions continue to be pivotal for India as they strive to gain control in this challenging Test match.
