IND v ENG 2021: "Rishabh Pant's innings turned the match on its head," says David Lloyd

Rishabh Pant scored 101 off 118 balls pulling Team India out of trouble.

Rishabh Pant celebrates his third Test century | Getty

Rishabh Pant registered his third Test century, first at home, when he slammed the England bowlers to all parts of the ground in the first innings of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad. His knock made David Lloyd wonder whether there was anybody in the English team who could do something like that.

Pant came in to bat No. 6 with India 80/4 having lost Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in the last 14 overs. The southpaw took his time to get to a fifty until he formed a settled partnership with Washington Sundar. He then launched into the England bowlers and got to his hundred in 115 balls.

Former England cricketer David Lloyd questioned whether there was someone in the England camp that could do that and turn the match on its head with one big innings.

IND v ENG 2021: Adam Gilchrist calls Rishabh Pant "a true match-winner" after his record century

Lloyd wrote in his column for Daily Mail, “The excellence of Jimmy Anderson and Ben Stokes kept England in this game for the first two sessions, but, boy, do they need support. That innings from Rishabh Pant turned the match on its head.

It was exhilarating. He bided his time, then went after Anderson. That reverse-sweep over the slips was outrageous. Have England got a player who can produce that kind of innings? I think they have: Jos Buttler. But he’s at home,” he added.

Lloyd further went on to say that once Buttler comes back to the side, the team management should let him bat according to his free will.

When he comes back, I just hope they take the shackles off him. Having a hitter in your side can win you Tests," Lloyd concluded.

 
 

By Sameer Deodhar - 06 Mar, 2021

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