[Watch] Rishabh Pant hits a first-ball six off Scott Boland in BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant came out all guns blazing with his fearless approach, smashing Scott Boland for a maximum off the first ball he faced. It happened in India's second innings on Day 2 (Saturday, January 4) of the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Boland struck with the first ball of the 14th over of India's second innings, dismissing veteran batter Virat Kohli (6) for his third wicket. Pant then walked in at No. 5, and on his first delivery, charged down the pitch and lofted a length ball for a six over long-on.

Here’s a video of the moment:

Pant’s six off Boland marked the seventh time an Indian batter has hit a six off the first ball of an innings in Test cricket, and the second instance of it happening in an away Test.

---

India lose 4 wickets in their 2nd innings on Day 2 of the 2024-25 BGT 5th Test

The visitors scored 185 runs in their first innings, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 40. In response, Australia ended Day 1 at 9-1 after three overs. On Day 2, India’s bowlers were exceptional, reducing Australia to 96-5. Debutant Beau Webster then played a crucial 57-run knock, helping Australia reach 181 in their first innings, giving India a slim four-run lead.

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his intentions clear by hitting Mitchell Starc for four boundaries in the opening over of India’s second innings. The visitors were in a strong position at 39-0 after seven overs, but Scott Boland made an impact, taking three quick wickets to dismiss Jaiswal (22), KL Rahul (13), and Virat Kohli (6).

Meanwhile, Webster claimed his first Test wicket by removing Shubman Gill for 13. At the time of writing, India were 85-4 after 17 overs, with Rishabh Pant (22) and Ravindra Jadeja (2) at the crease.