- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:36 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ex-Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has reckoned that India's star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant would have a big series in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia next month. Watson has revealed that if Pant and Jasprit Bumrah can challenge Australia at home, then they can be in sublime form throughout the series.
Pant made a brilliant comeback to the longest format in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, as he scored a scintillating century during the second innings of his comeback match at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium. He was also brilliant as a wicket-keeper. The fans do remember his match-winning performance in Gabba at the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar series. And that's why Watson chose him as a key player for India.
During an interaction with ESPNCricinfo, Watson also revealed that Pant might have good memories of playing in Australia and that his innings in Gaba were quite special. He also said that Pant has improved as a player and has made a brilliant comeback after being involved in that fatal car accident.
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"He's [Pant] got great memories from his last tour that he had from a batting perspective in Australia. That innings he played at the Gabba was something very special. So knowing that he's come through his challenges in the last couple of years to be able to come back as an even better player than what he left off, I think he's going to have a big series", Watson was quoted as saying on ESPNCricinfo.
Watson feels Pant and Bumrah going to be key
Watson heaped praises on Bumrah and backed him to perform brilliantly in Australia.
"Also, Bumrah is someone who in Australian conditions - well, in all conditions really - he's so good. [With] his ability to be able to just take wickets and get batters out, he's going to be very effective in Australia as well. So those two guys, if they have big series, they can provide Australia some big challenges," he concluded.
Both Pant and Bumrah boast incredible records while playing against Australia. Pant has scored 624 runs after playing in 12 Test innings against Australia with a staggering strike rate of 72.13. Bumrah has taken 32 wickets after playing in seven matches in Australia at a brilliant average of 21.25.
