Rishabh Pant Comments on Bumrah-Konstas Clash, Accuses Australians of Time-Wasting
SYDNEY (AP) — In a dramatic Test opener at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia bowled out India for 185 runs. India struggled, but the day ended with a fiery exchange. Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah and Australian batter Sam Konstas clashed. The hosts were then accused of time-wasting.
Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant spoke after the day’s play. He claimed the Australians slowed the game in the final over to prevent India from bowling again. “I feel they had a little chit-chat, they (Australia) wanted to waste some time,” wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said.
“I didn’t hear it, but I feel that’s the only thing which (Konstas) wanted to do to just wait some time so we don’t bowl one more over.” Pant remarked.
India’s Struggles Continue Without Rohit Sharma
India’s woes began before the match. Rohit Sharma, their regular captain, was dropped for the final Test. Jasprit Bumrah stepped in as skipper. His decision to bat first on a green-tinged SCG pitch backfired. India’s fragile batting lineup faltered again.
Australia’s bowlers exploited the lively surface with clinical precision. Scott Boland led the charge with 4-31 in 20 overs. Mitchell Starc chipped in with 3-49. India failed to reach 200 for the fifth time in the series.
Bumrah Shines With the Ball Despite India’s Batting Collapse
As the day neared its end, Australia began their reply cautiously. But, they couldn’t escape unscathed. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s new captain, struck in his very first over, dismissing Usman Khawaja for 2. Khawaja edged one to the slip cordon, giving India a glimmer of hope after a dismal showing with the bat.
The fiery over ended with a heated exchange between Bumrah and a 20-year-old, Konstas. With two balls left, the young Aussie batter and the Indian skipper had a heated exchange. It sparked an electrifying end to the day’s play.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Future in Doubt
The omission of Rohit Sharma added fuel to the ongoing speculation about the 37-year-old’s future in Test cricket. Sharma’s struggles with the bat during the series were glaring, with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9, averaging just 6.2.
Bumrah said Sharma was rested. But, leaving him out raised questions about his role in India’s Test setup. Without Sharma, India’s batting flaws were exposed. None of the batters stood up to Australia’s strong bowling attack.