Tim Paine fires shots at England with "Rishabh Pant played Bazball even before Bazball existed" statement

Former Australian cricketer Tim Paine fired shots at the England National Cricket Team over their attacking approach in Test cricket. He said that India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant came out and played Bazball before the Ben Stokes-led side thought about it.

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant arguably is one of the most exciting batters to have played Test cricket. The southpaw has changed the dynamics of how red-ball cricket is being played and is one of the main reasons behind the team’s success of late.

Rishabh Pant has played a magnificent brand of cricket for Team India and is one of the main reasons why his team won a series in Australia twice. He also played a crucial role in Team leveling the series in England and also helped the team win a Test match in South Africa as well.

Even though he is still early in his Test career, Rishabh Pant has developed himself as one of the best keepers to have played the longest format of the game. The keeper-batter has slammed tons in Australia, South Africa, and England and is potentially seen as the next Test captain of India.

After facing a life-threatening accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant is now back in the field. The keeper-batter made a return to cricket through the ongoing Indian Premier League. The Delhi Capitals skipper scored 18 runs on his return and seemed fitter than ever as he displayed sensational keeping skills as well.

Tim Paine praised Rishabh Pant for his aggressive batting style and said that he was the main factor behind India winning the series in Australia. Speaking to ESPN Australia, he stated:

“It is tough to digest. We were unlucky on some counts. The series also the rise of Rishabh Pant, who played Bazball even before Bazball existed. Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were not used to that kind of attack from a batter. He was a key factor in Team India’s win. And as I said, their fast bowling stocks have gone up.” 

During the same interaction, he also expressed his delight to see keeper-batter back, saying that he has always enjoyed watching him play.

“It certainly did. A lot has been said about the ordeal he went through and how close he was to losing a leg.

“Just to see him walk back onto the field, as a cricket fan and as a fan of Rishabh. I know we had our banter back and forth, it was really cheeky and good fun. I have always had fun chatting with him off the field, enjoyed watching him play.”

He played cricket like I always wanted to – Tim Paine on Rishabh Pant

Tim Paine further stated that he always wanted to play cricket like Rishabh Pant but admitted that he didn’t dare to take the game on. The former wicket-keeper further was hopeful of seeing Pant play in the Test series against Australia later this year. He explained:

“He played cricket like I always wanted to. I didn’t have the courage, to take the game on or even the skill. certainly appreciate what he brings to the game, the joy he brings to the Indian cricket team fans.

“I can’t wait to keep watching him and hopefully, he is fit and well enough to make it to Australian shores for the summer.”

India will be touring Australia later this year for the five-match Test series. The Rohit Sharma-led side would be hoping to win their third series on the trot. The series will be played from November 22 till January 7.