During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, India’s Rishabh Pant delivered a calm and composed response to England batter Harry Brook’s attempt to get inside his head with a question about his fastest century.
A Cheeky Challenge on the Field
As India continued to pile on runs against England, Harry Brook tried to disrupt Rishabh Pant’s focus during his impressive batting display on Saturday. Brook attempted a bit of mind game, asking Pant about his fastest Test hundred.
Pant, known for his aggressive yet thoughtful approach, wasn’t fazed. He replied that in Test cricket, his fastest century was achieved in “maybe 80-90 minutes.”
Pant’s Measured Response
Brook, however, wasn’t done. He tried to egg Pant on by reminding him of his incredible 55-ball hundred from the IPL 2023 season with SunRisers Hyderabad. “The fastest hundred I have ever done in 55 balls; you can do that today,” Brook quipped, seemingly hoping to push Pant into an overly aggressive shot and make a mistake.
But Pant remained level-headed and delivered a reply that quickly gained widespread respect. “It’s okay. Not very greedy for records. If it happens, it happens,” he stated, showing a mature focus on the team’s objective rather than personal milestones.
An Innings of Significance
Despite his humble dismissal of records, Pant went on to smash a quick-fire half-century, scoring 65 runs off just 58 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. His knock significantly contributed to India’s formidable total, allowing them to set a colossal 608-run target for England.
This stellar performance followed captain Shubman Gill’s blistering 161 runs, his second century of the match, further solidifying India’s dominant position in the Test.
Rishabh Pant’s Breaking Records Anyway
Pant’s innings in England continued his exceptional form, marking his sixth fifty-plus score in his last seven innings in the country. Even though he claimed not to be “greedy for records,” he managed to break several significant batting milestones.
He became the first Asian wicket-keeper to reach 2000 runs in Tests played in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). Furthermore, Pant now holds the record for the most sixes hit by any batter in Tests played in an away country, with 23 maximums in England.
His career Test six tally now stands at 86. For India, only Virender Sehwag (90) and Rohit Sharma (88) have hit more sixes in the longest format of the game, placing Pant in elite company.
The Road Ahead for England
As the match heads into its final day, England faces an uphill battle, needing 536 more runs to win with only seven wickets in hand. Harry Brook, along with Ollie Pope, will resume batting, aiming to navigate the challenging task ahead. Meanwhile, Pant will be behind the stumps, continuing his crucial role for the Indian side.
- Rishabh Pant remained unfazed by Harry Brook’s attempts at sledging during his innings.
- Pant stated he was “not greedy for records,” prioritizing the team’s performance.
- Despite his humble remark, Pant scored 65 runs and broke several significant Test records.
- He became the first Asian wicket-keeper to score 2000 runs in SENA countries.
- Pant now holds the record for the most Test sixes by an away batter in England.
Pant’s performance showcased not only his batting prowess but also his mental fortitude under pressure, proving his worth as a key player for India.
During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, India’s Rishabh Pant delivered a calm and composed response to England batter Harry Brook’s attempt to get inside his head with a question about his fastest century.
A Cheeky Challenge on the Field
As India continued to pile on runs against England, Harry Brook tried to disrupt Rishabh Pant’s focus during his impressive batting display on Saturday. Brook attempted a bit of mind game, asking Pant about his fastest Test hundred.
Pant, known for his aggressive yet thoughtful approach, wasn’t fazed. He replied that in Test cricket, his fastest century was achieved in “maybe 80-90 minutes.”
Pant’s Measured Response
Brook, however, wasn’t done. He tried to egg Pant on by reminding him of his incredible 55-ball hundred from the IPL 2023 season with SunRisers Hyderabad. “The fastest hundred I have ever done in 55 balls; you can do that today,” Brook quipped, seemingly hoping to push Pant into an overly aggressive shot and make a mistake.
But Pant remained level-headed and delivered a reply that quickly gained widespread respect. “It’s okay. Not very greedy for records. If it happens, it happens,” he stated, showing a mature focus on the team’s objective rather than personal milestones.
An Innings of Significance
Despite his humble dismissal of records, Pant went on to smash a quick-fire half-century, scoring 65 runs off just 58 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. His knock significantly contributed to India’s formidable total, allowing them to set a colossal 608-run target for England.
This stellar performance followed captain Shubman Gill’s blistering 161 runs, his second century of the match, further solidifying India’s dominant position in the Test.
Rishabh Pant’s Breaking Records Anyway
Pant’s innings in England continued his exceptional form, marking his sixth fifty-plus score in his last seven innings in the country. Even though he claimed not to be “greedy for records,” he managed to break several significant batting milestones.
He became the first Asian wicket-keeper to reach 2000 runs in Tests played in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). Furthermore, Pant now holds the record for the most sixes hit by any batter in Tests played in an away country, with 23 maximums in England.
His career Test six tally now stands at 86. For India, only Virender Sehwag (90) and Rohit Sharma (88) have hit more sixes in the longest format of the game, placing Pant in elite company.
The Road Ahead for England
As the match heads into its final day, England faces an uphill battle, needing 536 more runs to win with only seven wickets in hand. Harry Brook, along with Ollie Pope, will resume batting, aiming to navigate the challenging task ahead. Meanwhile, Pant will be behind the stumps, continuing his crucial role for the Indian side.
- Rishabh Pant remained unfazed by Harry Brook’s attempts at sledging during his innings.
- Pant stated he was “not greedy for records,” prioritizing the team’s performance.
- Despite his humble remark, Pant scored 65 runs and broke several significant Test records.
- He became the first Asian wicket-keeper to score 2000 runs in SENA countries.
- Pant now holds the record for the most Test sixes by an away batter in England.
Pant’s performance showcased not only his batting prowess but also his mental fortitude under pressure, proving his worth as a key player for India.
