Pant has played 14 innings, scoring 580 runs at an average of 44.61 while batting at six.
India has had the luxury to play with five bowlers ever since the youngster has become a regular in Tests as he is capable of playing a crucial role at number six. Pant has played 14 innings in 12 matches, scoring 580 runs at an average of 44.61 while batting at six. He has also scored a century while batting in this position.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, however, thinks that the wicket-keeper batting at six might be one position too high in English conditions.
"Of what I have seen of India, if England can get a par score in the first innings, with the seam-bowling resources they have, then they should be confident. Rishabh Pant at six in England is one place too high.
India will have to find a new opener as Shubman Gill has been ruled out and can they afford to pick Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin if the ball is moving around? If they play on flat, belting pitches they can." Nassir Hussain told Daily Mail.
Rishabh Pant is set to miss the practice match against Select County XI starting from Tuesday, 20 July. He is in home isolation at an acquaintance’s place. He contacted the Coronavirus during the 20-day break after the World Test Championship final. He will join the rest of the squad in Durham when he produces negative COVID-19 test results.
The first test will start on 4 August and will kickstart the second cycle of the World Test Championship.