27 September,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Rishabh Pant pulls one during India’s first Test win over B’desh in Chennai last week. Pic/Getty Images
Rishabh Pant's stirring comeback to cricket has moved Mitchell Marsh so much that the all-rounder termed him a "ripping bloke" whom he wished to have played for Australia.
After returning to international cricket earlier this year through white ball formats, Pant underlined his long-term readiness for red-ball cricket with a hundred against Bangladesh in the recent first Test at Chennai.
Talking about Pant's comeback from that horrific car accident in 2022, Marsh was in awe of the Indian wicketkeeper batter's positiveness, competitiveness and hunger to win.
Also Read: "The match against India in Kanpur could be my last": Shakib Al Hasan on retirement
ALSO READ
Rishabh Pant refutes Gavaskar's claims, says DC exit wasn't about retention fee
Sourav Ganguly feels this player is next-best red-ball batter after Kohli
'Pant's recovery was a miracle, never thought he would play again': Shastri
Pant clean bowled twice, Kohli plays through pain-free zone in match simulation
Kohli departs after smashing a glorious cover drive in the simulation match
"He's a ripping bloke. I wish he was Australian. He's obviously been through a lot over the last few years, and it's been a hell of a comeback," he told Star Sports.
"He's a positive guy, still really young, and he loves winning. He's highly competitive for someone who has the persona of being relaxed and always laughing and smiling. He's got that big smile," Marsh added.
Pant is expected to be an integral part of the Indian batting line-up during the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting in Perth from November 22.
The left-hander was superb in the previous two Test series against the Aussies, gathering 624 runs in 12 innings at an average of 62.40, including a century and two half-tons. He has a top score of an unbeaten 159 against the team from Down Under.
Meanwhile, Australian opener Travis Head also spoke highly of Pant's abilities.
"The Indian cricketer I believe is most Australian would be Rishabh Pant. I think the way he goes about his aggressive nature and his work ethic would make him very enjoyable to play with," he reckoned.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
