IND vs ENG: 4th Test, Day 2 – Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar rescue India
India have tightened their grip on the fourth and final Test of the series against England. In response to the visitors’ 205 in the first innings, they were reduced to 146/6 at one stage. England bowled exceptionally well to keep a lid on the run-scoring in the first couple of sessions. Rather they were ahead in the game at one stage.
But Rishabh Pant came out to bat and his ton made all the difference. He scored 101 runs while Sundar slammed an unbeaten half-century as India ended the day on 294/7 by the end of the day. They currently lead by 89 runs which could be crucial given the pitch is deteriorating at the moment.
Here are some of the talking points of the day:
1. England bowling well in the first two sessions
Not many gave England a chance after their dismal batting show on the opening day. However, the visitors put up a brave show with the ball thanks to relentless spells from Anderson and Stokes. Leach also bowled well and kept India under pressure for the first two sessions. In the process, they also picked five wickets and it seemed as if India would concede a lead in the first innings then.
2. Virat Kohli scoring another duck
Most Ducks in World Test Championship (Indians)
4 – Virat Kohli*
4 – Jasprit Bumrah
3 – Mohd Shami
3 – C Pujara#INDvENG— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) March 5, 2021
Virat Kohli’s wait for his 71st international century continued in Ahmedabad as well. He was expected to do well after what has been a quiet series with the bat for the Indian skipper by his standards. But Kohli was undone by a snorter from Ben Stokes as the ball bounced suddenly from length to catch him by surprise. While trying to avoid it, Kohli edged one to the keeper bagging an 8-ball duck.
3. Pant century and his partnership with Sundar
Rishabh Pant came out to bat when the team’s score was 80/4 and India had lost Ajinkya Rahane at the stroke of lunch. He first steadied the ship with Rohit Sharma who got out on 49 and then strung a useful stand with Washington Sundar who once again showed immense composure. Post tea and especially after the new ball was available, Pant played an array of strokes leaving England stunned and notched up his century. His 113-run stand with Sundar helped India gain a significant lead and with the latter still unbeaten, the hosts can make it a match-winning lead as well.
4. Pant reverse sweeping Anderson
Wow @RishabhPant17 ??? pic.twitter.com/389yVwgXPz
— Andrew Flintoff (@flintoff11) March 5, 2021
This shot should have a special mention. Rishabh Pant was on 89 when Anderson ran in to deliver the 83rd over and what happened on the first ball was absolutely outrageous. Pant reverse swept the length ball to leave everyone stunned and the ball went well over Joe Root who was standing at the first slip. New ball made the difference in the end and runs came fast from 81st over which has now pushed England very much behind in the game.
