The day started with England’s domination and ended with India’s domination. In what turned out to be a topsy- turvy day, India managed to get the advantage owing to a Pant special. He was absolutely sensational and scored a magnificent century against a top class bowling attack. He was well supported by Rohit earlier in his innings and later by Pant. India were in all sorts of trouble when he joined Rohit Sharma in the middle at the start of the second session. The hosts were reeling at 80 for 4 at that stage after losing the wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in the very first session of the day. England were well on top at that stage.
Rohit and Pant steadied the ship but before they could bail India out of trouble, England struck. Ben Stokes dismissed the former with a stunning delivery to leave the hosts reeling at 121 for 5. Ravichandran Ashwin could not do much either as it looked like India might not even touch the 200-run mark in reply to England’s first innings total of 205. Let’s take a look at what the entire cricket fraternity had to say about today.
Sampath Bandarupalli:
@SampathStats
“Most centuries completed with a six in Test cricket for India:
6 – Sachin Tendulkar
2 – Gautam Gambhir / Rohit Sharma / RISHABH PANT
#INDvENG”.
Wasim Jaffer did what he always does, he posted a meme praising Pant’s knock.
“Live scenes #INDvsENG #RishabhPant”
Kevin Pietersen tweeted
Kevin Pietersen
“@KP24
Pant backs up Brisbane.
Pant is a PLAYER!”
Naser Hussain said
“Drives me mad when batsman say “Well that’s the way I play“ … Pant has shown in one innings that is complete nonsense! Play the situation….”
The swashbuckling 23-year-old batsman took the English attack to the cleaners and went on to smoke his next 5o runs in a mere 35 deliveries to bring up his maiden Test ton on home soil and the third of his career. The southpaw unleashed his full repertoire of strokes against both pace and spin. The southpaw brought up his 100 with a typical slog-sweep off Jack Leach. Pant got brilliant support from Washington Sundar as the duo went hammer and tongs against the new ball. Pant was eventually dismissed for 101 but Washington continued with his merry way to bring up his third Test fifty. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel ensured that India did not lose any more wickets as India finished the day with an overall lead of 89
VVS Laxman tweeted saying
“It’s heartening to see the youngsters take centre stage yet again for team India. Unbelievable belief and grit – and reading of the game. @RishabhPant17 is just wow and @Sundarwashi5 not letting go of any opportunity to shine. #INDvENG
Sourav Ganguly, India’s former skipper praised Pant as well, he said ” How good is he? Unbelievable..what a knock under pressure…not the first time and won’t be the last time..will be an all time great in all formats in the years to come.keep batting in this aggressive manner .thats why will be match winner and special..@bcci @RishabhPant17″
Last but not the least, Michael Vaughan’ tweet read ” This is the way to Bat in Test Cricket … Calmness,clarity,trust in defence & attack at the right time … Brilliant from @RishabhPant17 !! #INDvENG”