Rishabh Pant has stolen the spotlight with a lightning-fast half-century in India’s ongoing fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On a pitch that made batting tough, Pant showcased his fearless style of play, blasting 61 runs off just 33 balls in the second innings.

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground was treated to a thrilling performance as Pant hammered six boundaries and three towering sixes. He showed no mercy to Australia’s top-notch bowlers, taking them apart with a fiery strike rate of 184.85.

So, how does Pant’s incredible fifty stack up against other quick Test half-centuries by visiting players in Australia? Let’s dive into it.

One unexpected name on this list is Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Known more for his fearsome fast bowling, Akram proved he could wield the bat as well. In a 1999 Test match at Perth’s W.A.C.A ground, Pakistan struggled to put up runs and were bowled out for just 155 in their first innings. Australia responded with a massive 451-run total, thanks to big scores from Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting.

Trailing by 296 runs, Pakistan’s second innings wasn’t going much better at 168/6 when Akram decided to counter-attack. In no time, he smashed nine boundaries to bring up his fifty off only 35 balls. Unfortunately, his brave knock of 52 from 40 deliveries couldn’t save Pakistan, as they were bowled out for 276 and lost the match by an innings and 20 runs.

Another memorable quick fifty belongs to West Indies star Chris Gayle, who holds the record for the fastest Test half-century by a visiting captain in Australia. During the 2009 tour, Gayle put on an absolute show at the W.A.C.A ground once again. After Australia piled up 520/7 declared in the first innings, led by Simon Katich’s 99, Gayle came out swinging.

The West Indies skipper went into full attack mode, smashing eight fours and one six to reach his half-century in just 34 balls. He didn’t stop there and went on to score a blazing century, eventually getting out for 102 off just 72 balls. Although Gayle’s heroics earned him the Man of the Match award, West Indies fell short and lost by 35 runs.

Now, thanks to his brilliant knock in Sydney, Rishabh Pant has set a new record for the fastest Test half-century by a visiting batter against Australia. Pant achieved this milestone in just 29 balls.

Coming to bat at number five, India were struggling at 59/3 in their second innings. After playing a patient 98-ball 40 in the first innings, Pant shifted gears and unleashed a T20-style assault on the Australian bowlers. His thrilling knock included six fours and three massive sixes. He brought up his fifty with a stunning six off Mitchell Starc over the leg side before being dismissed by Pat Cummins for a well-made 61.

Pant’s explosive innings will surely be remembered as one of the most entertaining performances in recent Test cricket history!