Rishabh Pant showcased his brilliance at Headingley, becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test cricket to score a hundred in both innings of a match. His fearless 118 off 140 balls in the second innings came after a superb 134 in the first. His heroics helped India post a second-innings total of 364 and set England a 371-run target.

Pant’s performance placed him alongside Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower, who achieved the same feat against South Africa in 2001. With this, Pant also became the first Indian to hit two centuries in a Test in England and just the ninth visiting batter to do so.

Composed Start Followed by Controlled Aggression

Pant began cautiously after getting out to a rash shot in the first session. He was heard scolding himself on the stump mic:
"It is not important. If you want to hit, do it with a straight bat next ball. Why are you trying to score forcefully."

He adjusted quickly. After lunch, Pant shifted gears and dominated the English bowlers with his bold shot-making. Despite some nervous early moments, he regained control, using his full range of strokes—from slog sweeps to paddle scoops—to frustrate the bowlers.

Partnership with Rahul Powers India Forward

Pant shared a crucial 195-run stand with KL Rahul for the fourth wicket. Rahul, too, scored a century filled with grace and control, providing a steady platform. His shot selection and timing impressed even traditionalists.

Rahul had a slice of luck when Harry Brook dropped him at gully, but he made full use of the chance. While Rahul anchored the innings, Pant played the aggressor, showing how contrasting styles can build pressure and partnerships.

Early Blow, Then Strong Resistance

India began Day 4 with a lead of 96 runs but suffered a big setback when captain Shubman Gill was bowled just seven balls into the day. Gill misjudged a Brydon Carse delivery that skidded through, leaving him staring at the pitch in disbelief.

Pant walked in early and tried to impose himself immediately. Though he mistimed a few early shots and edged one over the slips, he settled down and gradually took control. His confidence and ability to adapt to the match situation stood out.

A Collapse Mars India’s Progress

After the dismissals of Rahul and Pant, India’s batting collapsed once again. They lost their last six wickets for just 31 runs, echoing their earlier first-innings slump where they lost seven wickets for 41.

This sudden collapse left India all out for 364, slightly short of a bigger target that could have completely shut England out of the match.

England Begins Chase Cautiously

At stumps, England reached 21 without loss. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley played cautiously to reduce the target to 350, knowing they need to create history to chase down 371 on Day Five.

Pant’s Record-Breaking Test

Pant’s 252 runs across both innings marked the highest match tally by an Indian wicketkeeper and the fourth-highest ever by a keeper globally. Only Andy Flower has scored more in a single Test match as a keeper.

With four centuries in England, Pant now holds the joint record for most Test hundreds by a wicketkeeper in the country—tied with Alec Stewart and Matt Prior. His eighth overall Test ton places him behind only Adam Gilchrist and Andy Flower among keepers.

Match on a Knife’s Edge

Though Pant’s innings put India in a strong position, the match is far from over. England still have a slim chance. They need to chase down the second-highest fourth-innings total at Headingley to win. Meanwhile, India will look to their bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, to finish the job and seal the win.

Brief Scorecard