As Gill struck a massive 269 and followed up with 161 in the second innings, while pacer Akash Deep claimed 10 wickets in the match, India handed England a big defeat to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 1-1.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India head into the third Test at the Lord\u2019s with huge momentum behind them following a dominant 336-run victory in the second Test in Birmingham. While the short gap between matches might pose a challenge, Pant sees it as a potential advantage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDefinitely it's a short turnaround, but like you said, when you have momentum on your side, you want that short turnaround,\u201d said Pant on the eve of the third Test. \u201cWe are not thinking about it too much. It's good for us to have the momentum, but eventually, you\u2019ve got to play good cricket. This team will play better and will win eventually.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The wicketkeeper-batter was also unfazed by the threat posed by the England pace attack bolstered by the return of Jofra Archer into the playing XI in place of Josh Tongue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPersonally, whenever I step on the field, I enjoy my cricket and give my 200%,\" Pant said. \"It's not particularly about any individual. Yes, it's going to be a good contest because he\u2019s coming back after a long break. I\u2019m happy he\u2019s back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fiery quick has returned commanding numbers in the longest format, snapping 42 wickets in 13 contests and returning three five-wicket hauls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pant also shed light on the unpredictable nature of the Dukes ball in this series, which has tested both batters and wicketkeepers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt's definitely irritating for the players,\" Pant said. \"Every ball plays differently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen it becomes softer, it doesn't do too much, but as soon as it\u2019s changed, it starts doing a lot again. So as a batsman, you\u2019ve got to keep adjusting constantly.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though Pant remained tight-lipped on India's bowling attack for the Lord's Test and also did not say whether pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will, as expected by many experts, return to the playing XI after missing the second Test to manage his workload.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He heaped praise on Bumrah, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the first Test before going wicketless in the second.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Though Pant remained tight-lipped on India's bowling attack for the Lord's Test and also did not say whether pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will, as expected by many experts, return to the playing XI after missing the second Test to manage his workload.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think the option is still open. Discussions are still going on,\" he said. \u201cWhether it\u2019s 3-1 [three pacers + one spinner] or 3-2, we\u2019ll know by tomorrow. Because sometimes in two days, the wicket changes colour, the moisture becomes less. We\u2019ll take a final call based on how we think the pitch will play.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n