ENG vs IND: “We just have to accept that Rishabh Pant is a fantastic player” – James Anderson

ENG vs IND: “We just have to accept that Rishabh Pant is a fantastic player” – James Anderson

Rishabh Pant and James Anderson

England speedster James Anderson has leapt massive praises for India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant during the ongoing Test match between the two nations.

The veteran English cricketer once again showed that age is just a number as he rattled the Indian middle-order after claiming the wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli on consecutive deliveries. This helped England reduce the hosts at 104/3 despite a brilliant start by the Indian openers Rohit Sharma (36) and KL Rahul (57*).

Meanwhile, Anderson has lauded Pant, who is currently batting at the crease at 7* after facing eight deliveries. The 39-year-old had said:

“We’ve got a taste of what he was planning to do. He used his feet on the third ball he faced today. We know the way he’s going to play. He’s aggressive, he’ll think outside the box. He might play the odd shot that’s out of the ordinary and we just have to accept that he’s a fantastic player, fantastic talent.”

Anderson on plans for Rishabh Pant on day three

James Anderson
James Anderson

James Anderson went on to say that the English side hasn’t prepared any specific plan for the southpaw. He asserted that England will continue bowling at their best while hoping for an edge off Pant’s bat.

“So, all we have got to do is concentrate on our areas as much as we can, keep bowling our best ball even when he’s doing different things to try and put us off. We’ve just got to hope he nicks one and that’s all we can do because, as I said, he’s a great player. We have nothing specific planned for him. If he keeps charging me then I’ll bowl my best ball, that’s all we can do,” he signed off.

The maiden Test of the five-match series currently stands evenly poised after a rain-curtailed day two. After bundling out England for a mere 183, the Virat Kohli-led side is placed at 125/4 at the moment. With just all-rounders and bowlers left to bat, a lot will depend on the current pair of Rahul and Pant.

Also Read | T20 World Cup: Harsha Bhogle picks his 15-member India squad; Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to open

Also Read | India vs England Live Stream: When and Where to Watch 1st test match