ENG vs IND: Rishabh Pant Redeems Himself, Shardul Thakur Stresses Prowess

Cricket Image for ENG vs IND: Rishabh Pant Redeems Himself, Shardul Thakur Stresses Prowess (Image Source: Google)

What a transformation! Where was this discipline for six innings? Rishabh Pant came out to bat before lunch on the fourth day, with India on 296 for five in the second innings, still needing around 80 runs to feel secure about not losing the test match.

India then lost captain Virat Kohli, who had batted sumptuously, when the total was 312, which put the onus even more on Pant. Given the bizarre way he had batted in the series, the test match was on the line.

When will he charge down the pitch T20 fashion? When will he chase a ball outside the off-stump technique-less? It was a moment of tension. Pant, though, did neither. He defended resolutely, took no risks, hit the bad ball, otherwise remained content with safe singles. It was an amazing metamorphosis of temperament.

Admittedly, it was dry and sunny, the temperature 24 degrees, the second new ball more than 20 overs old - although in England, the Duke product, with the pronounced contrast between the leathers on the two sides of the seam at this stage, can swing disconcertingly.

Read More