Rishabh Pant's Composed Reply Dismisses Harry Brook's Sledge in Edgbaston Test: Key Partnership Boosts India

During the second innings of the Edgbaston Test, Rishabh Pant responded with composure to Harry Brook's attempt at sledging, showcasing his mental fortitude alongside his batting prowess.

Rishabh Pant celebrates reaching his half-century during the second Test against England.

As Pant launched a counter-attack, Brook tried to unsettle him by asking, "What's your fastest hundred?". The query was seemingly aimed at provoking a reckless approach from the Indian batsman.

Pant, however, remained unfazed. He calmly replied that his fastest Test century likely took "80–90 minutes," highlighting his typically measured approach in the longer format.

Brook then brought up his own IPL record, cheekily stating, "The fastest hundred I’ve hit was in 55 balls—you could do that today." He was clearly trying to entice Pant into playing rash shots.

Pant dismissed the sledge with a smile and said, "It’s okay. I’m not too greedy for records. If it happens, it happens," displaying remarkable composure under pressure.

Pant's Crucial Innings

After scoring 25 in the first innings, Pant played a vital innings of 65 off just 58 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, injecting momentum into India's batting display.

With 2,023 runs in 28 SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) Tests, Pant boasts an average of 41.28. He has six centuries and six fifties in 52 innings, with a highest score of 159*.

Performance in the Series

In this series, Pant has been a standout performer, amassing 342 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 85.00 and a strike rate of 81.81. He has two centuries and a fifty to his name, with a best score of 134.

Pant's aggressive 65, combined with Gill's impressive 161 and Jadeja's unbeaten 69, propelled India to a strong position. Pant and Gill forged a crucial 110-run partnership for the fourth wicket, while Jadeja added 175 runs with the Indian skipper.

Earlier in the innings, India had lost KL Rahul (55) and Karun Nair (26) during the first session after resuming play at 64 for one.