Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has often been criticized for his not so good keeping skills in test cricket. It is probably the only reason that fans tend to irk their anger onto him at times.
Despite his wicketkeeping, Pant has always shown his excellence with the bat. This is the reason why Indian team management had decided to give him another chance in the opening test against England.
The 23-year old has had a decent keeping record in the match. However, he fluffed a decent stumping chance at the start of third day. Indian bowlers have toiled hard for two days to dismiss England batsmen but were instead worn out.
Ashwin has been one of the best bowlers for India in this test. He outfoxed tail ender Jack Leach as the batsman was clearly outside the crease to defend a ball. However, the ball bounced quite a bit and Pant was unable to collect it to effect a stumping.
The veteran off spinner was not happy with the missed stumping. But kept his emotions in check and Pant has felt that he could have done it better. There has been calls for Wridhimann Saha to play in this test as wicketkeeping against spinners could be tricky on pitches like Chepauk.
Watch Ashwin’s reaction here
#INDvsENG #RishabhPant doing #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/ipfUUIAJqm
— Ravi1 (@1RaviR) February 7, 2021
Although, the missed stumping did not cost India much as they were finally able to all out England for a massive 578. Ashwin managed to get Anderson bowled as India wrapped up bowling at the start of third day.
However, that did not stop Ashwin from having a word with Rishabh Pant. When India were going back to dressing room, the spinner was visibly talking about the missed chance with Pant. He was clearly making a point on how Pant could have handled the situation.
— Sandybatsman (@sandybatsman) February 7, 2021
India came onto bat in the first innings but found themselves in a tricky situation at 73/4. But Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant have managed to steady the ship for a bit with a 100 run partnership.
The latter was in complete control and took on English bowlers with ease. He counter attacked bowlers and reaped rewards but neither of them were able to continue and make a hundred.
Local boys Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin were able to see the team to the stumps with no further damage. England are in huge advantage going to the penultimate day.
