Pant’s Remarkable Century Garners Praise

Rishabh Pant’s spectacular innings on Day 2 of the Headingley Test has drawn accolades from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar and seasoned England bowler Stuart Broad.

Pant’s explosive knock of 134 runs, achieved in just 123 deliveries and featuring 12 fours and six sixes, was instrumental in India posting a formidable first-innings total of 471. His dynamic partnership with skipper Shubman Gill, who contributed 147, provided a solid base for India’s dominance.

Manjrekar’s Assessment

Sanjay Manjrekar described Pant as the most outstanding wicketkeeper-batter India has ever produced in Test cricket, despite his career being relatively brief.

“Without a doubt, he’s India’s best Test batter-keeper to date. I was concerned when he approached the 90s, fearing he might record his eighth score in the 90s. His frequency of 90s is astonishing! Nevertheless, he’s a refreshing presence. Upon his dismissal, as he raised his bat, many English fans rose to applaud his innings,” Manjrekar observed.

“That’s what makes England special – the spectators appreciate quality cricket. Naturally, they want their team to win, but they also genuinely acknowledge excellence from the opposition,” he added.

Broad’s Commendation

Stuart Broad echoed Manjrekar’s views, applauding Pant’s unconventional approach and entertaining strokeplay.

“England crowds are known for their respect and appreciation of exceptional innings, but the ovation Pant received was among the loudest I’ve ever heard for a visiting player scoring a century in England. It was truly appreciated because it was so captivating,” Broad remarked.

“We were kept guessing! There were those audacious scoops, powerful shots, run-out opportunities… it was all happening. It had everything a Test match fan desires – patience, restraint, followed by moments of brilliance, putting the bowlers under pressure. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed everything Rishabh Pant contributed. It was a box office performance, truly,” the veteran pacer concluded.

Pant’s century marked his seventh in Test cricket, surpassing MS Dhoni’s previous record of six centuries for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter.

In response, England began steadily, with Ben Duckett scoring 62 from 94 balls and Ollie Pope remaining undefeated on 100.

Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley early and later sent Duckett back after his half-century. Joe Root attempted to stabilize the innings before Bumrah struck again towards the end of the day.

At the time of reporting, India stood at 278/5 in 66 overs, with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith at the crease following the wickets of Ollie Pope for 106 and captain Ben Stokes for 20.