India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stole the show with the bat on Day 1 of the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston.

Pant arrived in the middle when the visitors were reeling at 64/3 but he played his natural game. The southpaw attacked the English bowlers from the outset and notched up his half-century in 51 balls.

After reaching the fifty, Pant went berserk and brought up his hundred in just 89 deliveries. He continued his carnage after the three-figure mark to put the hosts on the backfoot.

While Rishabh took the England attack to the cleaners, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played the role of second fiddle to perfection. The duo was involved in a 222-run stand for the sixth wicket, propelling the tourists to a massive first-innings score of 416.

The partnership between Pant and Jadeja impressed one and all, including the South African batting legend AB de Villiers, who rated it among the best he has seen in Test cricket.

“Haven’t been home and missed most of the Cricket action. Finished watching the highlights now. That counterattack partnership from @RishabhPant17 and @imjadeja is right up there with the best I’ve ever seen in Test Cricket!,” De Villiers tweeted on Monday (July 4).

While Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 146 off 111 balls (20 fours and 4 sixes) on Day 1, Ravindra Jadeja completed his century on the second day before getting out on 104.

In reply, the hosts were bowled out for 284, conceding a massive first-innings lead of 132 runs with Mohammed Siraj (4-66) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-68) starring with the ball for India.

Batting in the second innings, the visitors were on 125/3 at the close of play on Day 3, extending their lead to 257 runs with Cheteshwar Pujara (50*) and Rishabh Pant (30*) unbeaten in the middle.