England captain Ben Stokes has showered praise on Rishabh Pant ahead of the second Test match against England. Pant scored twin centuries in the opening Test at Leeds, Headingley but his efforts went in vain as India suffered a five-wicket loss.
After scoring a brilliant knock of 134 runs in the first innings, Pant backed it with another hundred in the second essay. The left-hander scored a majestic knock of 118 runs off 140 balls and added 195 runs with KL Rahul, who scored 137 runs.
This was Pant’s eighth Test century as he continues to impress in the red-ball version. Pant is the first Indian batter to score twin centuries in a Test match in English conditions. The left-hander also became the seventh Indian batter to score two centuries in a Test match and became the second wicket-keeper after Andy Flower to score hundreds in each innings of a Test.
Ben Stokes said in the pre-match press conference, “Even though he’s in my opposition, I love watching him play. When you set a talent like him free, you saw what happens. Very dangerous player. I really enjoy watching him. Credit to him – 2 100s in the game. We know we’re going to get a chances with the way Rishabh plays. On a different day, it could’ve looked different if one of them went straight up to the hand.
“But very dangerous player, we know what he brings to the Indian team. I really enjoy watching Rishabh. Don’t think there’s going to be any different how Rishabh takes it on.”
In the first innings, Pant had charged down the wicket against Stokes and had smashed him over his head, which had left the England captain in splits.
Meanwhile, Jofra Archer was added to England’s squad for the second Test but he has not been included in the playing XI. Stokes is hopeful that Archer will play a part in the rest of the series.
“It’s been a long time since Joff’s been in the Test environment. He’s been playing white-ball cricket for England over the last couple of years. Being back with us, first and foremost is great for him. I think it’ll be important for Joff to be around the group this week. It’s been a long time and the last time he was in the Test dressing room was in a different regime. So, I felt it was important even if he didn’t get selected this week, he spends time around the group. Hopefully, we will see him play a part in this series, going forward. The time spent by Joff with other individuals in this group is very important for the rest of the series.”
The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.
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