IND vs ENG Test: Rishabh Pant's Batting Brilliance Shuts Down Harry Brook's Sledging at Edgbaston

During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, Rishabh Pant delivered a scintillating batting display that not only entertained the crowd but also silenced England's Harry Brook's attempts at distracting him.

Rishabh Pant celebrates reaching his half-century, showcasing his dominance at the crease.

As Pant was dismantling the English bowling attack, Brook tried to unsettle him with some playful sledging. He inquired about Pant's fastest Test century, seemingly trying to lure him into reckless shots.

“What’s your fastest hundred?” Brook probed, hoping to disrupt Pant's rhythm.

Pant, however, remained unfazed by Brook's tactics. With remarkable composure, he responded, “In Test cricket, maybe 80–90 minutes,” referring to the measured pace of his previous centuries.

Brook, not giving up, then brought up his own record-breaking century in the IPL, boasting, “The fastest hundred I’ve hit was in 55 balls—you could do that today.” His aim was to tempt Pant into playing rash strokes.

Pant calmly dismissed the bait, replying with a confident smile, “It’s okay. I’m not too greedy for records. If it happens, it happens.”

After a modest 25 in the first innings, Pant unleashed a counter-attacking innings in the second, scoring a crucial 65 off just 58 balls, including eight fours and three sixes.

Key Statistics from Pant's Innings:

• 28 SENA Tests: 2,023 runs
• Average: 41.28
• Centuries: 6
• Fifties: 6
• Highest Score: 159*
• Innings: 52

In the current series, Pant stands out as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 342 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 85.00 and a striking strike rate of 81.81. His performance includes two centuries and a fifty, with a best score of 134.

Pant's aggressive 65, featuring eight boundaries and three towering sixes, contributed to a valuable 110-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Gill.

Gill continued his impressive form, following up his splendid 269 in the first innings with another substantial knock of 161, which came off 162 balls, adorned with 13 fours and eight sixes.

Jadeja remained unbeaten with 69 (118 balls, five fours and one six), adding another 175 runs in a rapid partnership for the fifth wicket with the Indian captain.

India, resuming the fourth day's play at 64 for one, had earlier lost KL Rahul (55) and Karun Nair (26) in the first session.