ENG vs IND, 5th Test, Day 1: On Friday, Rishabh Pant’s knock of 146 helped India reach 338 for seven at stumps after losing five for 98.
Rishabh Pant of India. credit: AP
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- Pant scored 146 runs in 111 balls on the first day.
- India 338/7 at stumps on day one. ended on
- Pant breaks Dhoni’s record of fastest century by an Indian keeper in Tests
Former pacer Ajit Agarkar said that the indifferent form in white-ball cricket hasn’t impressed Rishabh Pant by any stretch of the imagination in Test cricket. On Ben Stokes’ opening day of India’s ongoing fifth Test against England, Pant smashed 146 off 111 balls, studded with 19 fours and four sixes.
On the strength of his innings, the visiting team made 338 for seven in 27.5 overs, 98 for five in 27.5 overs till the end of the first day’s play.
Agarkar was quoted as saying, “He came under a bit of pressure in Test matches because of his form in white-ball cricket, which has been a bit indifferent. But that didn’t affect his form in Test cricket.”
After scoring his fifth Test century in 89 balls, Pant also broke MS Dhoni’s record for the fastest century by an Indian batsman in the purest format. Furthermore, the left-hander also became the only visiting wicket-keeper to score more than one overseas Test century on England soil.
“He was batting well, especially for India. In the five-match series where he was the captain, he was under a little bit of pressure,” he added.
Agarkar, who scored a Test century at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground, said that Pant’s style of play has benefited India to a great extent.
“It’s not the first time he’s done this. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s good for India that he keeps repeating it, especially in Test cricket. It not only put the opposition under pressure, but India So far in the game,” Agarkar said.
India currently have Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami as overnight batsmen. Jadeja plays the role of a sheet-anchor, scoring 83 runs in 163 balls with the help of 10 fours.