3 Instances When Ishant Sharma Tore Apart The Opposition Batter

3 Instances When Ishant Sharma Got Under The Skin Of The Opposition Batter (X.com)3 Instances When Ishant Sharma Got Under The Skin Of The Opposition Batter (X.com)

Ishant Sharma, the tall and fiery Indian pacer, has a reputation for unsettling some of the best batters in world cricket. 

He announced his arrival in style by troubling Australian legend Ricky Ponting at just 19 years of age. From then, Ishant Sharma went on to dominate world cricket with 311 wickets across 105 Test matches. 

As Sharma celebrates his 36th birthday, let's revisit his iconic battles with elite batters, where he managed to get under the skin of those notable strikers.

Ishant Sharma vs Ricky Ponting (2008, Perth)

Ishant Sharma vs Ricky Ponting (2008, Perth) (X.com)Ishant Sharma vs Ricky Ponting (2008, Perth) (X.com)

In one of the most memorable spells of his career, Ishant Sharma rattled Australian captain Ricky Ponting during the 2008 Test series. On a fast and bouncy pitch in Perth, Ishant, just 19 years old, bowled a relentless spell to Ponting, repeatedly beating him with pace and bounce. He swung the ball both ways, and Ponting was left searching for answers. 

Ishant was rewarded for his fiery spells as he got Ponting twice in the contest, both through slip catches.

Ishant Sharma vs. Steve Smith (2017, Bengaluru)

Ishant Sharma vs. Steve Smith (2017, Bengaluru) (X.com)Ishant Sharma vs. Steve Smith (2017, Bengaluru) (X.com)

In the 2017 home Tests series against Australia, Ishant Sharma was instrumental in unsettling Australian batter Steve Smith during the Bengaluru Test. Ishant bowled a series of bouncers and followed them up with animated expressions and mocking gestures, which visibly irritated Smith. 

The battle was intense, with Ishant's antics adding spice to the contest, eventually contributing to India's commendable 75-run victory. 

Ishant Sharma vs England (2014, Lords)

Ishant Sharma vs England (2014, Lords) (X.com)Ishant Sharma vs England (2014, Lords) (X.com)

On a day when the Lord's pitch was not offering much assistance to the seamers, Ishant produced a magical spell of fast bowling that turned the game in India's favour and secured a historic victory against England. Ishant started bowling a barrage of short balls, exploiting the weakness of the English batters. 

His relentless aggression and consistent line had England's batters floundering. Sharma's figures of 7/74 in the second innings were instrumental in getting England bowled out for 223, handing India a famous 95-run victory.