'I wish he was Australian': Mitchell Marsh in awe of Rishabh Pant

NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant's stirring comeback to cricket has moved Mitchell Marsh so much that the all-rounder termed him a "ripping bloke" whom he wished to have played for Australia. After returning to international cricket earlier this year through white ball formats, Pant underlined his long-term readiness for red-ball cricket with a hundred against Bangladesh in the recent first Test at Chennai.

Talking about Pant's comeback from that horrific car accident in 2022, Marsh was in awe of the Indian wicketkeeper batter's positiveness, competitiveness and hunger to win.

"He's a ripping bloke. I wish he was Australian. He's obviously been through a lot over the last few years, and it's been a hell of a comeback," he told Star Sports.

"He's a positive guy, still really young, and he loves winning. He's highly competitive for someone who has the persona of being relaxed and always laughing and smiling. He's got that big smile."

Pant is expected to be an integral part of the Indian batting line-up during the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting in Perth from November 22.

The left-hander was superb in the previous two Test series against the Aussies, gathering 624 runs in 12 innings at an average of 62.40, including a century and two half-tons. He has top score of an unbeaten 159 against the team from Down Under.

The 26-year-old also slammed an unbeaten 89 in the second innings of the Brisbane Test in 2021, handing Australia its maiden Test loss at the venue in 32 years, while the Indians sealed the series 2-1 to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Meanwhile, Australian opener Travis Head also spoke highly of Pant's abilities.

"The Indian cricketer I believe is most Australian would be Rishabh Pant. I think the way he goes about his aggressive nature and his work ethic would make him very enjoyable to play with," he reckoned.