Sydney Cricket Ground: After battling through the bruises to top-score with 40 on day one of fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant said he was hopeful of not getting those ‘badges of honour’ in his next few innings in the longer format.
On Friday, with Australia being relentless in their bowling, Pant took blows all over his body to make a hard-fought 40 off 98 balls, including three fours and a six. “It’s mostly because of the pitch, but at the same time as an individual, when you are not having the best of tours, you want to apply yourself more than ever, and that’s what I did. Hopefully I got little bit out of it – not what I wanted 100%. But something for the team is always better.”
“Definitely it’s not the same kind of trauma or anything (as compared to injuries suffered in car accident in December 2022). But it still hurts – just got to know today that these are badges of honour. Hopefully in the next few innings I don't get these 'badges of honour’,” said Pant to broadcasters Channel Seven ahead of day two’s play.