• Source:JND
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Rishabh Pant is capable of producing fireworks everywhere on the ground in terms of explosive batting, as he can put all the shots in the air. On the third day of the boxing day test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the boasting left-handed keeper-batter appeared to be displaying just this sort of potentially impressive firework-hinting stroke.

In a decisive moment, Rishabh Pant had set his sights on Australian captain Pat Cummins to kindle the innings for India. In the 49th over, Pant strode arrogantly down the crease and unleashed a massive lofted shot; the ball was sent hurtling towards the boundary.

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Though it fell short of a six, the scorecard read four great runs, ripping off an exciting start at the crease for Pant and India.

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Pant had a great start, but it was too short-lived after a split second lapse in concentration that saw him give away his wicket to the Australian team. After having shown trademark flair and form during the initial stages, his call seemed a bad one and put an end to his innings, denying India a good score from their dynamic wicket-keeper batter.

The momentum shifted decisively in Australia's favor during Scott Boland's over when Pant attempted an audacious pick-up lap shot over fine leg. Unfortunately, he misjudged the delivery, and the ball struck him squarely on the stomach, leaving him visibly discomforted.

In a surprising turn of events, Pant opted not to regroup after the painful blow, instead attempting another lap shot on the very next delivery.

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He walked across the off-stump, premeditating the shot, but this time the ball flew high towards deep third man. Nathan Lyon, positioned perfectly, made no mistake, completing a well-judged catch to send Pant back to the pavilion, disappointingly ending a promising innings.

How Many Runs Inida Required To Avoid Follow-On At MCG?

India's batting innings took a worrying turn by the end of Day 2, with the team struggling at 164/5. Earlier, they had seemed well-set at 153/2, but a crucial run-out involving Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal led to a sudden collapse. India have since managed to add 17 more runs to their tally, reaching 181/5, but still face an uphill task, requiring 94 more runs to avoid being forced to follow-on.