Image Credit- NDTV Sports
Venue- Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham [July 2022].
India was playing against England in the 5th test of the 5-match series. English Captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to field first. In bowling friendly conditions, English bowlers removed the Indian top-order batsmen in no time. When Rishabh Pant came out to bat, India was 71/4. Soon it became 98/5. The ball was swinging and seaming. It appeared India will be bowled out under 150. The condition was precarious.
However, what we witnessed next was nothing short of a magnum opus. Rishabh Pant launched a counterattack against the English bowling. The moment he stepped out of his crease and hit Anderson for 4, we knew that he won't remain quiet whatever the situation be. Next in the line was Stuart Broad and Matthew Potts who too were hit for a lot of runs. However, the bowler who faced maximum blows from the bat of Rishabh Pant was Jack Leach. He hit him for sixes and fours, one handed/two handed, spin/ no spin. It is interesting to note that in one of his overs, Jack Leach went for 22 runs.
Pant scored 146 in just 111 balls. His innings consisted of 19 boundaries and 4 sixes. Furthermore, it is pertinent to note that this innings was not only about power hitting, but was also about timing, placement and turning of wrists in an elegant manner. It was a pure masterclass from the Delhi boy.
By the time Joe Root got rid of Pant, the Indian scorecard read 320/6. Pant did his job in grand style.
[POSTSCRIPT- In the second innings of the game, Rishabh Pant scored 57 of 86 deliveries. However, the English ended up winning this test match because of the heroics of two Yorkshire lads Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow who guided England to their record run chase of 378.]
To watch Rishabh Pant's 146 runs knock, click here.
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