![Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel [Source: screengrab/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1787815044046_Rishabh_Pant_Dhruv_Jurel(1).jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel [Source: screengrab/x]
Bail switches have become one of cricket’s most intriguing little moments in the last few years. Often attempted to unsettle the batter, this tactical and superstitious move has even yielded crucial wickets on occasions for the fielding side.
Even Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant performed a sudden bail switch, doing so on a thrilling Day 5 of their series-deciding second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. With Team India nearing the end of a wicketless session, Pant attempted to disturb Sri Lanka’s well-set batter Keshara Nuwantha.
However, Pant’s antics were immediately foiled by none other than his own teammate, Dhruv Jurel.
Dhruv Jurel foils Rishabh Pant’s bail-switch attempt
Before the start of the 103rd over of the second Sri Lanka innings on Day 5, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant playfully switched bails in a bid to unsettle Keshara Nuwantha, who was batting at 44* at the time after facing 138 deliveries.
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However, before Manav Suthar can start the over, India’s back-up keeper Dhruv Jurel reversed the bails to their usual position. Pant just looked on as Jurel undid his bail-switch attempt with both cricketers sharing a laugh a couple of deliveries later.
Watch the video below:
Why did Rishabh Pant attempted to switch bails?
The ‘bail switch’ is a tactical and superstitious trick attempted by any player from the fielding side, where they switch the position of the bails to disturb the batter’s concentration.
With both of Sri Lanka’s overnight batters, Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha nearly batting out the entire opening session of Day 5, Rishabh Pant attempted to unsettle Nuwantha at a time when the latter was approaching his half-century.
Unfortunately for Pant as well as for Dhruv Jurel, both Sri Lankan batters survived the next two overs to bat out the session, steering Sri Lanka to 329-6 from 104 overs after resuming the day at 229-6.
Who popularized ‘bail switch’ in cricket?
While the notorious ‘bail switch’ has been previously attempted by Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, legendary England paceman Stuart Broad popularized the act during the 2023 Ashes series.
Broad switched bails to unnerve Marnus Labuschagne, who ended up losing his wicket off the very next delivery.
Since then, several other international cricketers like India’s Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj as well as Pakistan skipper Babar Azam have notoriously adapted the routine.
Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant take turns behind the stumps
Interestingly, the ‘bail switch’ and its immediate reversal was not the only piece of action exchanged by Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.
Both Pant and Jurel have also taken turns in keeping wickets for Team India in the ongoing series-deciding second Test match at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
With Pant nursing his wrist injury after coping a blow from Lahiru Kumara on Day 1, the cricketer also complained of pain in his shoulder the following day. Moreover, Pant spent the entirety of Day 3 on the sidelines, prompting Dhruv Jurel to take over the wicketkeeping role.
The senior stumper eventually returned for the final two days as the second Sri Lanka vs India Test inched closer to a dramatic finish.
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