 "Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant century to help India post a massive total. Image: Insta/a_gl0bal_affair")
India vice-captain Rishabh Pant lit up Headingley on Saturday with a brilliant hundred in the first Test against England , scoring a fearless 134 off 178 balls. Known for his attacking style, Pant brought up his seventh Test century in trademark fashion, with a six that left fans and commentators in awe.
Watch Pant’s hilarious exchange with Jadeja
Pant was eventually dismissed LBW by Josh Tongue. But just moments before his dismissal, Pant made a humorous remark that was caught on the stump mic. Pant was heard telling Ravindra Jadeja, who was batting at the other end, that Tongue was hitting him repeatedly and his knee is swollen.
“Sooja diya hai yaar isne maar-maar ke, same jagah maare ja raha hai (He’s swollen my knee hitting me repeatedly in the same spot!),” Pant told Jadeja in the 108th over before he got out to the same bowler.
England reply strongly after India’s dominance
Pant played a brilliant knock to help India post a strong total in the first innings. He forged a much-needed partnership with captain Shubman Gill for the fourth wicket to take the score past 400. However, after Gill and Pant were dismissed, India suffered a mini-collapse, with their lower-order failing to contribute yet again. India were bowled out for 471 in 113 overs.
In reply, England got off to a disastrous start, losing Zak Crawley for just 4 in the first over to Jasprit Bumrah. But Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope counterattacked, adding 122 runs for the second wicket. Duckett’s fluent 62 came off 94 balls before Bumrah knocked him over.
Joe Root joined Pope and the two looked to rebuild for England. However, Bumrah struck once again, removing Root for 28 before the close of play. Pope had just reached his century before the dismissal of Root. At stumps, he remained unbeaten on 100 off 131 balls, while Harry Brook is yet to get off the mark.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIndia will look to break through early on Day 3 and build on their 262-run lead, while England will hope Pope can convert his century into a big one and get solid support from the lower middle order to narrow the gap.