WATCH: Unnecessary risk costs Rishabh Pant his wicket, sparks frustration

Rishabh Pant looked in good touch to start Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The surface wasn’t helping the bowlers and the keeper-batter focused on conventional shots working in the middle. However, in the 56th over of the game, the flamboyant batter tried to play a scoop shot against Scott Boland but failed to time it as it went on to hit his body.

That didn’t demotivate Pant. On the next delivery, he once again attempted to play the same shot but this time, he got a top edge and the ball flew to the third-man region where Nathan Lyon was stationed as the spinner picked up a comfortable catch. Notably, it could have been a six on some other grounds across the world but the MCG isn’t easy to clear and on top of that, Pant dared to play the shot, despite Australia having a fielder in the same region.

The cricketer has found success in playing an unorthodox brand of cricket and the team management has given him the freedom to explore all options. However, after a good start, it is debatable if Pant had to play the shot, despite failing to time it in the previous delivery.

Watch the video below:

Australia opener Sam Konstas failed to play reverse scoop twice in the first innings and despite so, he kept trying and eventually found success. It could have only motivated Pant to attempt the shot more than once.

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Meanwhile, India needed a strong partnership to start the day but with Pant’s wicket, it has once again pushed them on the backfoot. The Haridwar-born cricketer departed for 28 runs as Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced him in the middle. He hopes to build a long partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, as India desperately needs it. Washington Sundar, who will bat at number nine, will be key as well.