Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes Rishabh Pant will bat a little more aggressively on the fourth day of the postponed Test match against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. India are in a dominating position as they were 125-3 at stumps on Day three and the visitors have a potent lead of 257 runs.
Pant, who had scored a scintillating century in the first innings is batting unbeaten on 30 runs from 46 balls. The left-hander has added 50 runs from 91 balls with Cheteshwar Pujara, who is also undefeated on 50 runs.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant had scored a brilliant knock of 146 runs in the first innings and had helped India post a par score of 416 runs. The pugnacious left-hander had reached his hundred off just 89 balls as he had batted in the topmost gear.
On the other hand, Pant didn’t take on the attack against Joe Root and Jack Leach while batting at the end of the third day’s play. Pant is known to bat aggressively and he can turn the match on its head with his pyrotechnics.
Zaheer Khan told Cricbuzz: “I am sure Pant will bat a little more aggressively (on Day 4). On Sunday, he reined himself in since stumps were approaching and India wanted to end the day on a positive note. He did play some good flick shots when the ball was in his arc.”
“India will not be thinking about how much time is left in the Test as of now. It will just be about batting normally, adding runs and playing positively, just as they have been doing in the Test.
Former Indian pacer believes India will look to bat for two more sessions and it will really put them in a commanding position.
“A lot will also depend on how the pitch plays. They will look to play at least two sessions. However, if runs come quickly, then there could be a change in the game plan.”
Meanwhile, Khan reckons the last session on day three was a shared one between the two teams. Pujara and Pant showed all the patience whereas Ben Stokes bowled a fine spell as he prized out the big wicket of Virat Kohli with a peach of a delivery.
“According to me, the last session of play on Day 3 was a shared one. I really liked Ben Stokes’ spell. (James) Anderson also bowled really well, as did (Stuart) Broad and (Matthew) Potts. Runs were scored and too many wickets did not fall. But it was a really exciting session of Test cricket. There was some good batting and bowling as well.”
India is in a dominating position and they will look to continue their good show.
