Former Australia cricketers Mark Waugh and Shane Warne were seen criticizing the Indian wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant who was chirpy as usual from behind the stumps on Day 1 of the ongoing 4th Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. The two cricketers, who were commentating with the official broadcasters, urged Pant to “zip it” and allow the batsman to concentrate.
While Rishabh Pant has been known for his chirpiness from behind the stumps, often passing comments about the proceedings in the middle, and he had even caused a short delay in play when he continued to talk as debutant Washington Sundar was preparing to bowl before Tea. Matthew Wade waited for Pant to stop chatting before he faced up to the off-spinner.
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Mark Waugh hit out at Rishabh Pant, saying he doesn’t have a problem with wicketkeepers chirping but it should be stopped when the bowler prepares to bowl. While on-aur on Fox Sports, Waugh said, “I don‘t have a problem with the keeper talking but not when the bowler is about to bowl. You’ve got to zip it then. If it starts getting too much or it’s holding up play you’ve got to get the standards right out there if you’re umpiring.”
Meanwhile, Shane Warne had similar views to that of Mark Waugh, saying the Indian gloveman is well within his rights to chirp at opposition batsmen but not when the bowler is preparing his run-up.
Shane Warne explained, “I‘m a bit with you Jun (Waugh) I don’t mind the encouraging and Rishabh Pant has a smile on his face, he’s having a laugh with his teammates around the bat. But if the bowler is starting to come in, that’s the time to just zip it and let the batsman concentrate.”
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While the India tour of Australia began on a friendly note, things started getting heated in the Sydney Test last week. While a section of the crowd was evicted for allegedly hurling racist comment at Mohammed Siraj, Tim Paine went nasty with his banter with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during the final day wherein India sealed a fighting draw.
