In the ongoing Test series between England and India, Rishabh Pant has once again created a headline with his batting. In the Headingley Test, Pant scored a century in both innings and showed that no matter how much pressure there is, he can change the situation. Now the second Test of the series is to be held at Edgbaston.
Pant's old statistics here are amazing. Last time he played an innings of 146 runs here. In such a situation, England also know that if Pant settles down, the match can get out of hand. English bowler Chris Woakes also admitted the same thing before the second Test match.
India were shocked by the defeat at Headingley, but Pant's two centuries are also a big support for the team. Pant has now become a headache for England. Chris Woakes said that bowling in front of Pant is not easy. According to him, Pant is such a player who puts the bowler under pressure in a moment.
What did Chris Woakes say about Rishabh Pant?
Woakes also said that the match does not stop with Pant but moves forward rapidly. Pant has an average of over 42 in England, and he also has the most runs as a foreign wicketkeeper. Playing at number 5, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has scored runs at an average of over 59 in 19 Tests so far.
Woakes admitted that his team will plan to get Pant out early. He indicated that this time they will prepare differently so that Pant can be dismissed early. Woakes hopes that his strategy will work. He admitted that when the Indian wicketkeeper-batter stays at the crease, the game becomes exciting, but at the same time, the pressure on the bowlers also increases. It is difficult to guess what Pant will do with which ball. That is why it will not be easy for England to stop him.
“Rishabh [Pant] is a player with whom you don’t really know what’s coming next. He keeps you on your toes as a bowler, which is sometimes exciting to bowl against, but sometimes he can put you on the back foot. He makes the game move forward; it is exciting to be part of the game when he is at the crease. He scored two hundreds up in Headingley and played really well,” Chris Woakes said in the press conference ahead of the IND vs ENG 2nd Test.
“Hopefully, this week, we can get him a bit earlier. We haven’t met up yet, but I’m sure we will have some discussions around the players we come against and how we can bowl better,” he added.
Opinion:
Now I believe that this Test is very important for Rishabh Pant. India are trailing 1-0, and the team have to win at Edgbaston. Pant is in great form, and he will have to give this form the right direction. Many times he loses his wicket by being too aggressive. This time, he will have to be a little cautious in the beginning. Understand the pace of the pitch, then play your shots.
England bowlers will try to provoke him early. They will try to force him to make mistakes by bowling bouncers and outside the off stump. Pant will have to play with patience. If he survives, India will get a big score. I think Pant should now take responsibility like a senior player.
When the team is in trouble, handle one end and maintain the run rate from the other end. As a wicketkeeper, Pant should not miss stumping and catching. Every run, every catch can change the fate of the match. Pant has no lack of talent, but it is important to give stability to this talent. If he scores a century at Edgbaston and India wins the match, the series will be tied 1-1.
